What happened
On 2 July 2010, a Pegasus Quantum 15, registration G-MYRM, was conducting a private flight along the Cornish coast. The pilot had departed from Perranporth with the intention of flying toward Land’s End. During the flight, the pilot identified a suitable area on a deserted beach near St Ives for a landing.
While flying at roughly cliff-top height, the aircraft experienced a sudden and unexpected roll to the right. This movement was so significant that the pilot had to use full control bar movement to restore a wings-level attitude. Concerned by this instability, the pilot decided to perform a precautionary landing.
Upon touchdown at the water's edge, the nosewheel of the aircraft dug into the soft sand. This caused the Pegasus Quantum 15 to flip over onto its back before coming to a halt. Although the aircraft sustained damage to the wing and nosecone, there was no fire, and both occupants escaped without injury.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the sudden roll experienced during the coastal flight and the subsequent landing dynamics on the beach surface. The pilot suggested that atmospheric turbulence may have been the reason for the unexpected right-hand roll prior to the landing attempt.