What happened
On 3 June 2010, a Pegasus Quantum 15-912, registration G-CDAA, was performing a solo training flight at Damyns Hall Aerodrome, Essex. The student pilot had previously departed from runway 03 under lighter wind conditions. However, during the approach and landing for the return leg, the wind had intensified, reaching gusts of up to 20 knots from the east.
Despite instructions from the flight instructor to consider an alternative runway or to perform a go-around if the approach felt unstable, the student pilot proceeded with the landing on runway 03. Upon touchdown, the aircraft maintained significant speed before veering to the left of the grass runway. The subsequent roll caused extensive damage to the wing, struts, sail, pylon, and hang bracket. The pilot, who was wearing a three-point lap strap and shoulder harness, sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the environmental conditions and the flight profile, noting that the wind conditions had changed significantly between the initial takeoff and the landing attempt. The pilot's experience level was also noted, as the student had only 12 total flying hours, with only 2 hours specifically on this aircraft type.