What happened
On 12 July 2008, a Pegasus Quantum, registration G-BYYY, was conducting a training flight at Redlands airfield in Wanborough, Wiltshire. The flight, which involved an instructor and a student, was intended to practice circuit flying using Runway 24. While the initial stages of the flight—including taxi, takeoff, climb, and the downwind leg—were completed by the student without issue, difficulties arose during the approach.
As the aircraft approached Runway 24 in turbulent conditions, the instructor noted that the aircraft was flying low. To correct the descent, the instructor advised the student to increase power. However, the student inadvertently reduced power by closing the foot throttle. The instructor intervened by using the hand throttle to increase engine output, which provided enough thrust to clear a perimeter fence located near the approach path.
Immediately after clearing the fence, the student applied back pressure by pulling on the control bar. This input caused the aircraft to pitch forward into a nose-down attitude. The aircraft subsequently struck the runway on its nose, resulting in damage to the nosewheel and trike structure. Both occupants were wearing full harnesses and helmets and sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation focused on the sequence of pilot inputs and the environmental conditions during the final approach. The investigators examined the aircraft's handling characteristics in the turbulent air and the specific actions taken by the student pilot regarding the foot throttle and control bar. The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot.