What happened
On 14 June 2011, a Cyclone AX3/503, registration G-MYXH, was engaged in a training flight at Andrewsfield Airfield, Essex. The flight involved an instructor demonstrating an engine failure after takeoff (EFATO) procedure to a student. Following the procedure, the instructor intended to land on the takeoff runway.
During the maneuver, the instructor reduced engine power and applied a nose-down pitch at an altitude of approximately 100 ft. While the instructor noted that the airspeed appeared to be within normal parameters, the aircraft touched down heavily on the 800 m runway. This impact caused the right mainwheel to separate from the aircraft, causing the microlight to come to a halt halfway down the runway. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the flight sequence and the instructor's experience. The instructor, who was undergoing training for an Assistant Flight Instructor (AFI) rating, noted that he had not performed this specific practice exercise in this aircraft for approximately nine months. He also indicated that his recent flying experience had primarily involved glide approaches from circuit height rather than low-altitude engine failure simulations.
Findings
- The instructor's recent flying experience was not a contributing factor to the accident.
- The primary cause of the landing gear separation was the heavy touchdown during the landing phase of the simulated engine failure.
- The instructor noted that the round-out maneuver was performed too late, suggesting that power should have been applied slightly earlier to counteract drag and maintain airspeed.