What happened
On 11 November 2016, a Quik GTR, registration G-CIDG, was performing a private flight at Headcorn Aerodrome in Kent. As the pilot prepared to turn onto the final approach, a Cessna 208 turbine-powered aircraft descended ahead of the microlight onto the same approach path. To maintain adequate separation from the larger aircraft, the pilot executed a turn away from the airfield before subsequently turning back to establish a final approach for a landing in nil-wind conditions.
During the final stages of the approach, approximately 30 feet above the runway surface, the microlight experienced a violent roll to the right. This movement was caused by the wake turbulence left by the preceding aircraft. The aircraft subsequently struck the ground in a nose-down attitude, resulting in extensive structural damage to the wings, fuselage, and cockpit area. The pilot, who was wearing a helmet and a lap harness, sustained one serious injury consisting of a fractured vertebra and was transported to the hospital by ambulance.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of maneuvers and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident, specifically focusing on the interaction between the two aircraft on the final approach.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was the encounter with wake turbulence generated by the preceding Cessna 208.
- The microlight was flying at a low altitude (approximately 30 feet) when the roll occurred, leaving little margin for recovery.
- The pilot had attempted to maintain separation by initially turning away from the airfield before re-establishing the approach.