What happened
On 24 May 2012, a Gemini Flash IIA, registration G-MVPI, was conducting a training flight at Perth Airport. The flight was being conducted by an experienced instructor and a student pilot who had recently acquired the aircraft. Following a successful landing on Runway 09, the aircraft began its ground roll. During this phase, the student pilot lost control of the ground steering, causing the aircraft to veer toward the right. The aircraft subsequently tipped over at a speed of approximately 10 mph, rolling onto its side.
As the aircraft overturned, the instructor extended an arm from the open cockpit to brace for the impact. This action resulted in the instructor sustaining serious injuries, specifically a broken wrist and arm. The student pilot remained uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage to the wing and scuffing to the trike structure.
The investigation
Investigators examined the steering mechanics of the aircraft and the experience levels of the crew. It was noted that the student pilot was accustomed to more modern trike models equipped with self-centring steering characteristics. In contrast, G-MVPI was an earlier model that lacked this feature, making the steering more sensitive. Furthermore, the investigation found that the aircraft was not equipped with dual controls for the nosewheel steering, which prevented the instructor from intervening to correct the student's steering input during the ground roll.