What happened
On 25 October 2015, a Pegasus Quik, registration G-CWVY, was performing a private flight at Old Park Farm Airfield near Port Talbot. The pilot was executing a standard approach to Runway 36, which measures 350 metres in length. During the approach, the pilot performed landing checks, trimmed the aircraft for 60 mph, and descended using the foot throttle.
Upon landing, the pilot realized the groundspeed was excessive. In an attempt to decelerate, the pilot utilized the footbrake and increased aerodynamic drag by pulling the control bar back. When these measures failed to sufficiently reduce speed, the pilot decided to initiate a go-around. The pilot applied full power and released the brakes; however, the decision to abort the landing was made too late. As the aircraft became airborne, it struck the airfield boundary fence. The aircraft then crossed a lane and collided with a hedge on an embankment, resulting in the trike separating into two distinct pieces. The accident resulted in one minor injury to the pilot and one serious injury to the passenger.
The investigation
The investigation examined the flight sequence and the pilot's actions following touchdown. The AAIB established that the pilot had noted zero wind conditions from the windsock prior to the landing. The investigation reviewed the aircraft's mechanical state and the pilot's decision-making process regarding the transition from landing to a go-around maneuver. The pilot acknowledged that the timing of the decision to go around was delayed.