Accident Overview
On 12 November 2009 at 1230 UTC, an Ikarus C42 FB UK microlight, registration G-DUGE, experienced an in-flight door opening while on a private flight from Plaistows Farm Airfield in St Albans, Hertfordshire. The aircraft subsequently made a forced landing, resulting in damage to the nose landing gear and propeller. The pilot was not injured.
Sequence of Events
The aircraft had taken off from grass Runway 15 at Plaistows Farm Airfield. After climbing to approximately 700 ft above ground level (agl), the pilot initiated a left turn. During the turn, he noticed that the starboard door was coming open. The pilot considered that this was affecting the handling of the aircraft badly and decided to make a forced landing in a nearby field. The landing was heavy; the nose landing gear collapsed and the propeller struck the ground. The pilot vacated the aircraft through the left side door unaided.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft, an Ikarus C42 FB UK, was manufactured in 2003 and powered by one Rotax 912 ULS piston engine. The pilot, aged 60, held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had accumulated 284 flying hours, of which 203 were on type. In the preceding 90 days he had flown 11 hours, and in the last 28 days, 1 hour.
Damage and Injuries
The accident resulted in damage to the nose landing gear and propeller. No injuries were sustained by the pilot, who was the sole occupant.