What happened
On 28 July 2012, a Bantam B22S, registration G-MZEY, was undergoing pre-flight procedures at North Coates Airfield in Lincolnshire. The pilot, who was preparing for his first solo flight on this specific microlight type, had completed a full inspection and started the Rotax 582 engine.
During the engine start sequence, a sudden and intense gust of wind struck the aircraft. A witness on the airfield described the phenomenon as having the appearance of a small tornado, noting that it extended from the ground to approximately 20 feet in height. This wind event moved across the taxiway and open fields toward the sea.
Before the pilot could respond to the changing weather, the gust lifted the aircraft's right wing. An individual attempting to steady the aircraft by holding the right wing strut was lifted off the ground and forced to release his grip. As the left wingtip scraped along the ground and reached the grass verge, the aircraft overturned onto its back. The pilot managed to release his harness and exit the cockpit unharmed, though the aircraft suffered extensive damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the meteorological conditions and the sequence of events leading to the aircraft's instability. Investigators reviewed reports from the airfield radio operator and witnesses who observed the wind event. The investigation established that the wind was westerly and increasing in strength. The presence of a rotating, localized wind column—resembling a small tornado—was confirmed by eyewitness accounts.