What happened
On 16 August 2018, a Quik GT450, registration G-CFEX, was performing circuit training at Shobdon Airfield in Herefordshire. During the initial circuit, the instructor was demonstrating a glide approach intended for a touch-and-go landing. As the aircraft touched down, the nosewheel collapsed, followed immediately by the failure of the front forks.
This structural failure caused the throttle pedal pivot to shift, which inadvertently applied full power to the engine. The aircraft began to accelerate while skidding on its nose off the runway surface. Before the engine could be shut down, the aircraft slid away from the runway, resulting in the fiberglass pod being damaged by the ground. Additionally, several large stones struck one of the propeller blades during the excursion. The trike keel also showed signs of deformation.
The investigation
The investigation examined the mechanical sequence of the landing and the subsequent unintended acceleration. It was noted that the aircraft had recently undergone repairs to its front-end components following a previous forced landing. The crew, consisting of an instructor and a student, were both wearing helmets and lap straps and sustained no injuries.
Findings
- The primary cause of the excursion was the unintended application of full throttle caused by the physical position of the throttle pedal pivot following the collapse of the front forks and nosewheel.