What happened
On 3 July 2015, a Pegasus Quik microlight, registration G-CBYE, was performing a private flight at Enstone Airfield in Oxfordshire. The aircraft, carrying a pilot and one passenger, was approaching the Northside Grass Runway 08. During the final approach, witnesses noted the pilot appeared to be struggling with the aircraft, possibly due to turbulence or rotor effect caused by gusty winds.
The aircraft touched down approximately 145 metres from the end of the grass runway. After the initial ground roll, the engine power was increased. This acceleration caused the aircraft to veer to the right, passing through a fence and colliding with a vehicle trailer and other equipment parked near the runway's edge. The impact resulted in two fatalities.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's weight and the pilot's recent flying history. It was determined that the aircraft was approximately 33 kg above its maximum all-up weight (MAUW). The total weight of the aircraft at the time of the accident was roughly 442.3 kg, exceeding the 409 kg limit. The investigation also noted that the pilot's Microlight Rating had been invalid since 2007, and he had not flown with an instructor since 2006.
The examination of the engine and controls showed the aircraft was capable of producing full power and that the braking and steering systems were operational. Investigators also considered whether the application of power was intentional, such as an attempt at a touch-and-go, or inadvertent, potentially caused by the passenger moving the hand throttle or the pilot's foot hitting the throttle while braking.
Findings
- The aircraft landed deep on the runway, leaving insufficient distance for a safe stop or a subsequent takeoff.
- The application of power during the ground roll made the runway overrun inevitable.
- The aircraft was overweight, which acted as a contributing factor to the accident.
- The pilot had not undergone refresher training with an instructor for many years, and his microlight rating had lapsed.