What happened
On 19 May 2010, a Mainair Blade 912, registration G-BYRP, was performing a private flight from Arclid Airfield to Guy Lane Farm, Waverton. As the aircraft approached the runway at Guy Lane Farm for touchdown, the pilot determined that the remaining runway distance was insufficient to bring the aircraft to a halt.
In an attempt to avoid an overrun, the pilot decided to execute a go-around. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck the upper portion of a tree located at the edge of the field. Following the impact, the aircraft fell approximately 15 feet to the ground. The collision resulted in severe damage to the trike and wing. The pilot sustained serious injuries, including four vertebral fractures, while the passenger suffered minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances leading to the decision to abort the landing and the subsequent flight path. The pilot, who held a National Private Pilot’s Licence (Microlights) and had 102 total flying hours, reported that the aircraft's climb performance during the go-around was lower than anticipated. This performance deficit was attributed to a combination of the additional weight from the passenger and a lack of expected headwind. The investigation also noted that the decision to initiate the go-around was made late in the landing sequence.