What happened
On 24 June 2014, a Quik GTR, registration G-COWN, was conducting a private flight between Plockton and Glenforsa on the west coast of Scotland. The weather conditions were favorable, characterized by good visibility and calm winds. While cruising at approximately 1,000 ft, the aircraft experienced a loud impact followed by a rapid right-hand roll.
The pilot experienced intense vibrations and a persistent turning tendency. Due to the severity of the vibration, the engine was shut down. An attempt was made to land on a nearby grassy area, but the aircraft could not be slowed sufficiently for a safe touchdown on land. As the descent continued, the pilot encountered terrain consisting of rocks, boulders, and various tributaries. Consequently, the pilot opted to ditch the aircraft in the loch. The aircraft struck the water approximately 20 ft from the bank, causing the fuselage to sink backwards. The pilot, who was wearing a dry suit and lifejacket, exited the wreckage uninjured and swam to shore.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the cause of the sudden loss of control and the subsequent ditching. The pilot reported that a large bird, likely a seagull, struck the propeller. This impact caused two propeller blades to separate from the unit. The detached blades then struck the wing structure, resulting in the breakage of the washout rod universal joint on the right wing and damage to the wing fabric. The investigation confirmed that the resulting mechanical damage led to the aircraft's asymmetric flight characteristics.