What happened
On 13 June 2012, a Pegasus Quantum 15-912, registration G-CCFT, was completing a private flight at a farm strip near Bourne, Lincolnshire. The flight was nearing its conclusion following a local excursion in calm, stable weather conditions characterized by light easterly winds and intermittent rain.
During the landing phase, the pilot conducted an approach to one of two private airstrips situated between standing crops. The pilot performed the approach primarily at idle power, briefly increasing throttle to ensure engine responsiveness. While the pilot noted the aircraft was positioned toward the right edge of the strip, they attempted to maintain the course without initiating a go-around. As the aircraft reached the flare point, the pilot attempted a late correction toward the center of the strip but subsequently abandoned the maneuver to avoid a dangerous banking motion near the ground. This resulted in the aircraft striking the adjacent crops, causing a rapid deceleration and a rightward yaw that led to further contact with the vegetation. The aircraft came to rest on its left side with significant damage to the wing, propeller, trike, and pod. There were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and the landing site to determine the sequence of events leading to the impact. The investigation established that the aircraft's right wheel had made contact with the crops during the touchdown. The pilot's account indicated that a lack of positive control and a failure to execute a timely go-around contributed to the excursion. The engine was found to have stopped running during the impact sequence.