What happened
On 2 March 2006, a Pegasus Quantum 15-912, registration G-BYDM, was conducting a solo navigation exercise at North Coates Aerodrome, Lincolnshire. The pilot, a student working towards a licence, had recently begun flying this specific aircraft and had been assessed as competent for the flight.
After approximately 50 minutes of flight, the pilot returned to the aerodrome to perform touch-and-go maneuvers on Runway 23. During the initial circuit, a flying instructor monitoring the flight observed that the wind had shifted to approximately 040 degrees at 10 knots, creating a tailwind component on Runway 2t3. Following this observation, the pilot transitioned to Runway 05.
While performing circuits on Runway 05, the pilot completed two successful touch-and-goes. However, during the third circuit, the aircraft bounced upon touchdown. This was followed by two additional bounces accompanied by a reduction in airspeed. The aircraft eventually made contact with the ground on its nose gear, causing the aircraft to overturn and sustain extensive damage. The pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation focused on the sequence of the landing maneuvers and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The investigation established that the pilot had been training in the aircraft and was nearing the required standard for a flight test. The investigation also noted the pilot's subsequent reflection that a go-around should have been initiated following the initial bounce.