What happened
On 30 July 2017, a Quik GT450, registration G-CEUH, was conducting a private pleasure flight near East Fortune Airfield in East Lothian. Following a short local flight, the pilot joined the overhead pattern and decided to land on the grass Runway 25, noting that the wind conditions were favorable for that surface.
During the approach, the pilot attempted to practice a glide technique by reducing engine power. However, the aircraft's rate of descent increased more rapidly than anticipated, forcing the pilot to re-apply power to stabilize the approach path. After passing the runway threshold, the pilot once again reduced power and initiated the flare. During this maneuver, the aircraft continued to descend into the ground, resulting in a bounce. A subsequent impact with the ground caused the aircraft to nose over and roll onto its right side.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the flight profile and the pilot's management of the aircraft's energy during the final stages of the landing. The pilot, who was wearing a protective helmet at the time, sustained minor injuries.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, nosewheel assembly, cockpit area, and wing.
- The primary cause of the accident was the reduction of airspeed to an insufficient level immediately before the pilot began the landing flare.