What happened
On 7 July 2013, a P & M Aviation QuikR, registration UR-KWIK, was performing a private flight at Glenforsa Airfield on the Isle of Mull. As the aircraft was preparing to land on Runway 25, the pilot observed a group of birds, likely geese or large ducks, crossing the runway threshold at a height of approximately 6 to 8 feet.
To avoid a potential collision, the pilot opted against a go-around, fearing the birds would remain in the flight path. Instead, the pilot executed a late course correction to the left, followed by a right-hand turn to land diagonally across the runway. Due to the wet condition of the grass surface, the pilot was unable to stop the aircraft before it exited the right side of the runway. The aircraft subsequently struck a boundary fence, resulting in minor damage to the glass fibre pod and damage to the airfield perimeter. There were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot and information provided by the airfield operator. The investigation examined the pilot's maneuvers and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. It was noted that the airfield operator had previously identified geese as a persistent moderate hazard at the site.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to perform a late, complex maneuver to avoid birds led to the loss of directional control on the wet grass.
- The aircraft veered off the runway due to the inability to stop on the slippery surface following the evasive maneuver.
- The airfield boundary fence sustained significant damage during the excursion.