What happened
On 8 April 2015, a Quik GT450, registration G-CEGJ, was performing solo circuit training at Sywell Aerodrome, Northamptonshire. The pilot, a student with 27 hours of flying experience, had recently completed a dual instruction flight with an instructor and was practicing solo approaches on Runway 03L.
During the final approach, the aircraft was positioned slightly to the left of the runway centerline. As the aircraft descended to approximately 20 ft above the ground, the pilot observed a drift toward the left side of the runway. Upon touchdown, the aircraft continued toward the grass verge. In an attempt to correct the course, the pilot steered to the right, but felt the aircraft begin to tip. The pilot applied the brakes, and the aircraft eventually came to rest on its left side. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot and subsequent inquiries. The investigation examined the flight conditions and the pilot's actions during the landing phase. The flight training school reported that at the time of the incident, the wind was recorded as being from 050° at approximately 7 knots.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the pylon and the wing.
- The pilot's initial position left of the centerline was not a primary concern to the pilot due to the runway width.
- The primary cause of the accident was the insufficient compensation for a crosswind component or a sudden gust of wind, which caused the aircraft to drift and eventually tip during the landing roll.