What happened
On 12 May 2018, a Pegasus Quik, registration G-CEMZ, was conducting a private flight from Hunsdon, Hertfordshire, to Carrickmore Airfield in Northern Ireland. The weather conditions at the time of the incident were favorable, with an 8-knot wind from 200 degrees and slight gusts.
As the aircraft approached the airfield for landing, two other aircraft were communicating their intention to back-track Runway 26 for departure. The final departing aircraft took off just as the G-CEMZ turned onto its final approach. Upon crossing the runway threshold, the pilot attempted to flare the aircraft; however, the aircraft continued to descend and made a firm impact on the asphalt runway. This contact caused the aircraft to bounce onto the grass to the right of the runway, striking the nosewheel first. The momentum caused the aircraft to nose-over and eventually come to rest on its right wing. The pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The inquiry examined the sequence of events leading to the touchdown and the pilot's actions during the approach. The investigation looked into the impact of external factors, such as the presence of other aircraft on the runway, and the pilot's physical state following the flight.
Findings
- The pilot believed that being cold following the flight from Hertfordshire may have impaired his judgment.
- The pilot was distracted by the departing aircraft on the runway.
- In an attempt to maintain adequate separation from the departing traffic, the pilot reduced the aircraft's speed.
- This reduction in speed resulted in insufficient airspeed to perform a proper flare, leading to the aircraft stalling onto the runway.