What happened
On 19 February 2012, a Pegasus Quantum 15, registration G-MYLC, was being taxied along a narrow and constrained taxiway at Kirkbride Airfield, near Carlisle. The aircraft was moving at a jogging pace at engine idle speed. As the pilot approached a fixed-wing microlight parked adjacent to the taxiway, an attempt to slow the aircraft resulted in a collision.
To avoid the parked aircraft, the pilot attempted to use the foot-operated brake. However, the braking action was insufficient to stop the movement. In an effort to correct the direction, the pilot pressed forward with his right foot. Instead of reversing the turn, this action inadvertently engaged the foot-operated throttle, causing the aircraft to accelerate toward the stationary plane. The G-MYlam struck the parked aircraft at a 45-degree angle, pushing it backward until its wheel spat hit concrete blocks.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the aircraft's control configuration and the scene of the accident. The investigation established that the flex-wing microlight utilized a pivoting cross-bar for ground steering. The braking mechanism was connected to the left side of this cross-bar and operated by the left foot, while the throttle was connected to the right side and operated by the right foot.
An inspection of the damage revealed that the parked fixed-wing microlight sustained damage to its left wing leading edge, pitot tube, wheel spat, and propeller. The G-MYLC sustained damage to its windshield.
Findings
- The collision was caused by unintended acceleration resulting from the pilot's attempt to steer the aircraft.
- The pilot's right foot, intended to correct a rightward turn, instead operated the foot-controlled throttle.
- The narrow and constricted nature of the taxiway contributed to the difficulty of the maneuver.