What happened
On 22 July 2007, a Kiss 400-582(1) microlight, registration G-CBJA, was conducting a private flight near Over Farm Airfield in Gloucestershire. During the final approach to the airfield, the pilot allowed the aircraft to descend below the intended glide path. In an attempt to arrest the descent and extend the glide, the pilot applied full engine power. However, this corrective action was insufficient to prevent the aircraft from striking the top of a large bush. The impact caused the aircraft to perform a forward somersault before eventually coming to rest on its wheels in the right-way-up position. The aircraft sustained extensive damage during the event.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the flight path and the pilot's response to the low altitude. It was established that the pilot was operating with 100 total flying hours, with only 17 hours experienced on this specific type. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft made contact with vegetation, which triggered the uncontrolled rotation of the aircraft.