Ground Collision Involving Two Aircraft at Sywell Aerodrome

Casualties unknown • Sywell Aerodrome, Northamptonshire, GB

A training flight preparation incident at Sywell Aerodrome resulted in a collision between a Pegasus XL-Q and a parked P&M Aviation QUIK GT450.

What happened

On 19 November 2014, at approximately 14:00 UTC, an incident occurred at Sywell Aerodrome in Northamptonshire involving two light aircraft. The pilot of a Pegasus XL-Q, registration G-MWOY, had been requested by an instructor to arrive early to start the engine in preparation for a training session.

After securing himself in the forward seat, the pilot used the starter cord to begin the engine. Shortly after the engine reached high power, the aircraft suddenly moved forward with enough force to overcome the foot brake. The pilot was unable to close the throttle, and due to wearing gloves, was unable to reach the ignition switch quickly enough to stop the engine. During the uncontrolled movement, the G-MWXOY struck a parked, unoccupied P&M Aviation QUIK GT450, registration G-CEGJ, which was positioned roughly 8 metres away. The impact caused the G-CEGJ to spin and tip onto its left wingtip. The G-MWOY continued moving until it hit a concrete sleeper at the edge of the car park. The aircraft's nosewheel bounced over the obstacle, but the main wheels eventually brought the aircraft to a stop, at which point the pilot successfully deactivated the ignition.

The investigation

The AAIB examined the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the engine start. The investigation focused on why the throttle remained stuck in the open position and why the pilot could not regain control of the engine's power setting. The pilot provided information regarding the state of the aircraft's controls and noted that the aircraft had functioned normally during an earlier start earlier that same day.

Findings

  • The Pegasus XL-Q sustained a bent noseleg and damage to the left wing and monopole.
  • The P&M Aviation QUIK GT450 suffered damage to its left wing, keel tube, and hangbracket.
  • There were no injuries to the pilot of G-MWOY.
  • The primary cause of the uncontrolled movement was a stuck throttle.
  • The pilot identified a possible cause for the stuck throttle as a kinked throttle cable, which may have been damaged when he entered the cockpit, alongside a weak throttle return spring.

Probable cause

The uncontrolled movement of the aircraft was caused by the throttle becoming stuck in the open position, likely due to a kinked throttle cable and a weak return spring.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2014-11-19 Pegasus XL-Q and P&M Aviation QUIK GT450 accident near Sywell Aerodrome, Northamptonshire, GB?

A training flight preparation incident at Sywell Aerodrome resulted in a collision between a Pegasus XL-Q and a parked P&M Aviation QUIK GT450.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2014-11-19 involved a Pegasus XL-Q and P&M Aviation QUIK GT450 , registration G-MWOY and G-CEGJ, at Sywell Aerodrome, Northamptonshire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The uncontrolled movement of the aircraft was caused by the throttle becoming stuck in the open position, likely due to a kinked throttle cable and a weak return spring.

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