What happened
On 21 September 2008, a modified MW6-S Merlin, registration G-MYIE, was conducting a local private flight from City Airport Manchester under favorable weather conditions. Approximately 25 minutes into the flight, the aircraft began exhibiting a tendency for the right wing to drop. Although the pilot initially managed to maintain straight and level flight using the aircraft's controls, the wing drop recurred after four minutes and became increasingly difficult to correct.
To mitigate the issue, the pilot reduced engine power, but this resulted in an inability to maintain altitude. The pilot subsequently identified a suitable field for a forced landing. To ensure maximum control during the descent, the pilot opted for a steeper approach and a higher-than-normal touchdown speed. Upon contact with the rough stubble surface of the field, the combination of high speed and ground conditions caused the aircraft to turn over. The impact resulted in damage to the fuselage and the nose landing gear. The pilot and one passenger sustained minor injuries and were able to exit the aircraft through the right-side door without fire.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the cause of the aerodynamic instability experienced during the flight. The pilot initially suspected that a dislodged flying control cable might have been responsible for the wing drop. However, because the aircraft sustained significant additional damage while being recovered from the landing site, investigators were unable to confirm the condition of the control cables or determine if they had been correctly connected prior to the incident.