What happened
On 19 July 2006, a Mainair Blade microlight, registration G-MZKO, was performing circuits for landing at Runway 05 at Headon Microlight Field in Nottinghamshire. The weather conditions at the time of the incident were favorable, characterized by good visibility and a 6-knot crosswind originating from the right.
During the landing sequence, the pilot executed a heavy touchdown that caused the front wheel of the trike to collapse. This impact triggered a bounce, sending the aircraft back into the air. As the aircraft moved, the left wing made contact with crops in a field adjacent to the landing strip. This contact caused the aircraft to strike the ground and come to rest in an inverted position.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. The examination focused on the sequence of the landing and the mechanical response of the landing gear. The pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, was wearing both a helmet and a lap strap at the time of the impact. The aircraft suffered substantial damage as a result of the collision with the ground and the crops.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was a heavy landing which led to the structural failure of the front wheel.
- The subsequent bounce and the wing's interaction with adjacent vegetation caused the aircraft to overturn.
- The pilot sustained minor injuries during the event.