Microlight stall and landing gear collapse near Mevagissy

Casualties unknown • Near Mevagissy, Cornwall, GB

A P and M Aviation Quik GTR microlight failed to climb after takeoff from a coastal field in Cornwall, resulting in a stall and landing gear failure.

What happened

On 27 May 2013, a P and M Aviation Quik GTR, registration G-HOTR, was attempting a takeoff from a field site near Mevagissy, Cornwall. The takeoff was being performed from an elevated coastal position on a heading of 140°, utilizing a field with a slight upward slope. The available runway length was 265 metres, bounded by a wall and a hedge.

During the takeoff roll, the aircraft accelerated and became airborne as anticipated. However, instead of pitching up as the pilot expected, the aircraft maintained a level attitude. The pilot applied forward input on the control bar to increase the angle of attack, which briefly caused the aircraft to pitch up before it returned to its original level state. Because there was insufficient distance to safely abort the takeoff, the pilot continued at full power in an attempt to clear the boundary hedge.

While the aircraft nearly cleared the hedge, the main landing gear struck the vegetation. This impact caused the aircraft to stall and land heavily on its main gear, leading to a collapse of the gear. The aircraft rolled to the left upon impact. The pilot and one passenger were able to exit the aircraft without assistance. The pilot escaped without injury, but the passenger sustained a minor injury consisting of a bruised ankle.

The investigation

Investigators examined the takeoff conditions and the aircraft's performance. The weather was clear, but a brisk 20-knot wind was blowing from 200°, which was blowing upslope toward the field. The pilot noted that while previous takeoffs from the same location under light wind conditions had been successful, the wind conditions on this occasion were significantly different.

Findings

  • The aircraft failed to climb sufficiently due to a lack of pitch up despite full power.
  • The pilot attempted to manually induce a pitch up via control bar input.
  • The main landing gear struck the boundary hedge, leading to a stall and gear collapse.
  • The pilot believed that local rotor effects caused by the brisk upslope wind may have produced a downdraft over the field during the takeoff.

Probable cause

The aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude to clear the boundary hedge, leading to a collision with the hedge and subsequent landing gear collapse, potentially exacerbated by local wind-induced downdrafts.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-05-27 P and M Aviation Quik GTR accident near Near Mevagissy, Cornwall, GB?

A P and M Aviation Quik GTR microlight failed to climb after takeoff from a coastal field in Cornwall, resulting in a stall and landing gear failure.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-05-27 involved a P and M Aviation Quik GTR, registration G-HOTR, at Near Mevagissy, Cornwall, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The aircraft failed to gain sufficient altitude to clear the boundary hedge, leading to a collision with the hedge and subsequent landing gear collapse, potentially exacerbated by local wind-induced downdrafts.

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