Accident Details
On 17 July 2013 at 1700 UTC, a privately operated Ikarus C42 microlight, registration PH-3L3, experienced a hard landing at Bellarena Airfield, County Londonderry. The aircraft, manufactured in 2001, was powered by a single Rotax 912UL piston engine. The pilot, aged 30, held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had accumulated 64 hours of flying experience, all on type, with 21 hours in the last 90 days and 6 hours in the last 28 days. One passenger was on board.
Flight Narrative
According to the pilot’s report, the flight originated from Carrickmore, County Tyrone. Weather conditions were good, with wind varying between 190° and 170° at 12 kt. During the final approach to Runway 30, the aircraft encountered some sink, which the pilot arrested with power. After crossing a 4 ft high wall in the undershoot of the runway, the pilot closed the throttle and initiated a flare at approximately 3 ft. As he did so, the aircraft stalled and landed heavily. The impact caused the left stub axle to shear and the nosewheel fork to bend. The pilot and passenger were uninjured.
Damage
The accident resulted in a sheared stub axle and a bent nosewheel fork. No other damage was reported.
Pilot’s Assessment
The pilot attributed the accident to being slightly slow and flaring too high.