What happened
On 29 June 2014, a Pegasus Quik, registration G-CEMZ, was performing a private flight when it veered off the runway at Hunsdon Airfield, Hertfordshire. The flight, which lasted roughly 25 minutes, was on approach to Runway 03 with the pilot maintaining an airspeed between 60 and 65 mph. Wind conditions were reported from the northwest at approximately 8 to 10 knots.
Upon touchdown, which was described as firm but not excessive, the aircraft initially landed on its rear wheels before the nosewheel made contact. Immediately following this, the pilot experienced severe, high-frequency oscillations through the pedals and found the aircraft impossible to steer. Simultaneously, the engine power unexpectedly increased. While the pilot attempted to manage the controls and reach the magneto switches, the aircraft exited the runway into the grass on the right-hand side. The aircraft then overturned, resulting in no fatalities or injuries to the two occupants, but causing extensive damage to the wing, propeller, pod, fairings, and the nosewheel assembly.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the runway surface to determine the cause of the loss of directional control. They noted that the right side of the nosewheel had disintegrated, with much of the debris located near the initial touchdown point. Analysis of marks left on the runway suggested that the wheel rim, rather than the tyre, may have struck the ground.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the disintegration of the right side of the nosewheel.
- It is believed that the tyre may have been deflated at the moment of touchdown.
- Although the tyre appeared properly inflated during the pre-flight inspection and the takeoff roll had been normal, the sudden loss of pressure likely led to the rim making contact with the runway surface.