Accident Overview
On 7 April 2013 at approximately 1115 UTC, an Ikarus C42 FB100 microlight, registered G-FLYB, sustained extensive damage during a landing accident at Perranporth Airfield in Cornwall. The aircraft was on a private flight from Old Sarum Airfield near Salisbury. The sole pilot, aged 72, held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had 141 hours of flying experience, all on type, with only 3 hours in the last 90 days and 1 hour in the last 28 days.
Flight and Weather Conditions
The weather at the time was fine with a surface wind from 150° at 15 knots, described by the pilot as gusty and turbulent. The pilot joined the circuit via the downwind position for Runway 09 and, due to the gusty conditions, elected to fly the approach with a reduced flap setting.
Landing Sequence
On final approach, the aircraft encountered a significant crosswind component, requiring a wing-down approach technique. As the aircraft descended just above the ground, it stalled and struck the runway hard. The pilot attempted to initiate a go-around, but the aircraft struck the ground again adjacent to the runway threshold before coming to rest with extensive damage.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot was uninjured and vacated the aircraft through his door. The passenger also vacated through his own door and was treated at the scene by a paramedic for a minor cut to his head. The aircraft sustained damage to the landing gear, propeller, engine, and right wing.
Pilot’s Assessment
The pilot believed that the loss of control and subsequent accident were caused by the strong, gusty wind conditions present at the time of landing.