What happened
On 26 May 2003, a Pegasus Quantum 15-912 microlight, registration G-BYFF, was involved in a ground collision at Caernarfon Airport, Gwynedd. Following a successful landing, the pilot began taxiing the aircraft toward the airport's fuel pumps. At the time, the taxiway surface was dry, and the wind was blowing from 210° at 15 knots.
As the pilot approached the refueling station, a sudden gust of wind from the left side of the aircraft pushed the microlight forward and toward the right. The pilot attempted to use full braking to stop the movement, but the aircraft could not be halted in time. The G-BYFF subsequently struck a Cessna 172 that was parked and undergoing refueling. No persons were on board the Cessna at the moment of impact, and the pilot of the microlight escaped without injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the ground movement and the environmental conditions at the time of the incident. The investigation established that the Cessna 172 was unoccupied during the collision. The damage sustained by the Cessna 172 included significant damage to its rudder and the outer port aileron. The Pegasus Quantum 15-912 suffered only minor damage to its rigging.