Aircraft and Flight Details
A Flight Design CTSW microlight, registered G-CEWT, sustained substantial damage during a landing accident at Priory Farm, Norfolk, on 7 March 2009. The aircraft was powered by a single Rotax 912 ULS piston engine and had been manufactured in 2007. The flight originated from Old Buckenham Airfield and was a private flight with a pilot and one passenger on board.
Accident Sequence
The pilot, who was familiar with the airstrip, reported that she flew a normal approach but flared the aircraft late, resulting in a heavy landing. The aircraft touched down on the rear wheels first, but with sufficient force to cause the nosewheel to impact the runway surface and collapse. The aircraft then slowed rapidly and gently nosed over, ending up inverted. After the accident, the pilot made the aircraft safe and both occupants vacated through the right door without assistance.
Pilot Information
The pilot held a National Private Pilot’s Licence (Microlights) and was 56 years old. Their total flying experience was 576 hours, of which 23 hours were on the Flight Design CTSW type. In the preceding 90 days, the pilot had flown 18 hours, and in the last 28 days, 4 hours.
Damage
The propeller and spinner were destroyed, the landing gear was damaged, and minor damage occurred to the wingtips. Neither occupant was injured.