What happened
On 30 August 2005, an Ikarus C42 FB, registration G-IAJS, was involved in an occurrence at Kinderton Farm, Middlewich, Cheshire. While the aircraft was taxiing, it unexpectedly left the ground. The incident occurred during a period when the aircraft was being prepared for a flight test programme.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances surrounding the aircraft's departure from the ground during ground operations. It was noted that the pilot/owner had recently acquired a carburettor heating system for the Rotax 912 engine but had made the decision not to install this component on the aircraft prior to the commencement of the flight test programme.
Findings
- The aircraft became airborne during taxiing.
- The pilot/owner had elected not to fit a carburettor heating system to the Rotax 912 engine for the upcoming flight tests.
- The investigation highlighted the inherent risks associated with microlights, noting that these aircraft are susceptible to leaving the ground unexpectedly due to factors such as wind gusts or throttle malfunctions during high-speed taxiing.