Microlight inversion during precautionary landing in Staffordshire

Casualties unknown • 0.5 nm north-west of Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire, GB

A MW6-S Fatboy Flyer inverted while performing a precautionary landing on soft ground near Abbots Bromley, resulting in minor injury to the pilot.

What happened

On 5 May 2007, a MW6-S Fatboy Flyer, registration G-MZNE, was conducting a private local flight after departing from a farm strip at Yeatsall Farm, Abbots Bromley. Shortly after the aircraft became airborne, the pilot identified a lack of elevator control.

In response to this flight abnormality, the pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing in a nearby soft field. During the landing sequence, the aircraft made contact with the soft ground and subsequently inverted. The pilot sustained one minor injury to his ankle.

The investigation

The investigation was based on limited information provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the configuration of the aircraft prior to the landing attempt. It was established that the elevator trim had been set to a landing position. The pilot noted that this specific setting had been overlooked during the pre-takeoff inspection procedures.

Probable cause

The pilot failed to notice that the elevator trim was set to a landing configuration during pre-flight checks, leading to a loss of elevator control during flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2007-05-05 MW6-S Fatboy Flyer accident near 0.5 nm north-west of Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire, GB?

A MW6-S Fatboy Flyer inverted while performing a precautionary landing on soft ground near Abbots Bromley, resulting in minor injury to the pilot.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2007-05-05 involved a MW6-S Fatboy Flyer, registration G-MZNE, at 0.5 nm north-west of Abbots Bromley, Staffordshire, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot failed to notice that the elevator trim was set to a landing configuration during pre-flight checks, leading to a loss of elevator control during flight.

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