Fatal microlight crash at Farway Common following tree impact

Casualties unknown • Farway Common Airfield, near Honiton, Devon, GB

A Pegasus Quik microlight crashed into trees during approach at Farway Common, resulting in the death of the pilot and serious injuries to a passenger.

What happened

On 18 April 2014, a Pegasus Quik microlight, registration G-CCWR, was performing a private flight from Westonzoyland Airfield to Farway Common Airfield in Devon. The aircraft was carrying the pilot and a nine-year-old passenger. As the aircraft approached Runway 36, it was flying at a relatively shallow approach angle. During the final stages of the descent, the aircraft veered to the right and struck the tops of trees located near the airfield boundary. The impact caused the aircraft to descend steeply and crash onto its left side. The pilot sustained fatal injuries, while the passenger suffered serious injuries.

The investigation

Investigators examined the wreckage and recovered flight data from a tablet computer used for navigation. The analysis of the GPS data showed that the aircraft's groundspeed had decreased significantly during the final part of the approach. Examination of the engine revealed that it was functioning normally and producing near full power at the time of the impact. The investigation also looked into the aircraft's weight, finding that the total weight was approximately 38 kg above the maximum authorised limit. Additionally, the structural weight limit for the pilot's seat had been exceeded by 18 kg. The investigation also noted that the pilot had not flown for several months prior to the accident and had not undergone a refresher lesson as recommended by the operator's manual.

Findings

  • The aircraft was overloaded, which likely reduced its climb performance and altered its handling characteristics.
  • The aircraft entered turbulent air in the wind shadow of the trees, causing a loss of airspeed and a wing drop to the right.
  • The pilot was flying a shallow approach angle, which provided insufficient clearance for the taller trees in the flight path.
  • The pilot's recent lack of flying experience and the absence of a refresher course may have affected his ability to manage the low-level turbulence.
  • Visual cues from the runway, which appeared narrower due to recent grass cutting, may have influenced the pilot's chosen approach path.

Probable cause

The aircraft entered turbulent air caused by the wind shadow of trees during a shallow approach, leading to a loss of airspeed and a right-hand wing drop that resulted in a collision with trees. This was compounded by the aircraft being significantly over its maximum authorised weight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-04-18 Pegasus Quik accident near Farway Common Airfield, near Honiton, Devon, GB?

A Pegasus Quik microlight crashed into trees during approach at Farway Common, resulting in the death of the pilot and serious injuries to a passenger.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-04-18 involved a Pegasus Quik , registration G-CCWR, at Farway Common Airfield, near Honiton, Devon, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft entered turbulent air caused by the wind shadow of trees during a shallow approach, leading to a loss of airspeed and a right-hand wing drop that resulted in a collision with trees. This was compounded by the aircraft being significantly over its maximum authorised weight.

Loading the flight search…