What happened
On 31 July 2020, a Pegasus Quik, registration G-CCPC, was conducting a private local flight departing from East Fortune Airfield in East Lothian. During the flight, the pilot encountered turbulence that was more intense than expected, necessitating significant physical effort to maintain stable flight. After two unsuccessful attempts to land on Runway 11 due to difficulties positioning the aircraft, the pilot opted to approach Runway 29, which offered a longer and more unobstructed path.
As the aircraft entered the round-out phase of the landing, it veered toward the left. The pilot found herself unable to apply enough forward pressure to the control bar to execute a go-around. Consequently, the aircraft exited the runway and collided with a fence. The impact resulted in one serious injury to the pilot, specifically a fractured left wrist, and caused substantial damage to the aircraft's windshield, left wheel spat, and fuselage pod.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the loss of control and the environmental conditions at the airfield. The investigation established that while the wind appeared light according to the windsock during the approach, the wind had actually veered to the north and increased in strength during the landing phase. This change in wind direction and intensity contributed to the aircraft's deviation from the runway centerline.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the unanticipated increase in wind strength and direction change during the landing phase.
- Significant physical fatigue and muscle strain in the pilot's arms, caused by the effort of managing the aircraft in turbulent air, prevented the execution of a go-around.
- The pilot experienced high levels of stress and anxiety due to the challenging flying conditions.