What happened
On 6 April 2007, a Pegasus Quasar TC microlight, registration G-MWSH, was involved in a fatal accident at the Shifnal microlight site near Telford. The pilot, who had recently been flying 3-axis aircraft, was performing circuits in the flex-wing machine. During the flight, the aircraft exhibited unusual handling, including a period of difficulty in controlling the craft that necessitated a go-around.
On the second approach, the aircraft was observed flying at a low altitude and appeared to be descending into a prominent hedgerow. Witnesses described the aircraft as being in a nosedive or wobbling before it struck the hedge and trees. The impact caused the engine to surge to high power and the aircraft to rotate about its hang point. The pilot sustained fatal injuries in the collision.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the aircraft's configuration. While the engine was found to be functional and the fuel tank intact, the wing structure had suffered significant damage, including a fractured keel. The investigation also looked into the wing's battens, finding that several right-wing battens had been installed with an incorrect, over-cambered profile compared to the manufacturer's drawings.
Analysis of the pilot's experience revealed that while he was a qualified pilot, he had only one hour of flight time on this specific type of aircraft, with his recent experience almost exclusively on 3-axis machines. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's weight was within limits, though the empty weight was slightly above the maximum authorized amount.
Findings
- The pilot's lack of recent experience on flex-wing aircraft may have contributed to difficulties in managing the aircraft's handling characteristics.
- The aircraft was flying with unusual wing batten profiles, which, while not making the aircraft unmanageable, could have contributed to erratic flight.
- The aircraft was low on the final approach, placing it in a position where turbulence from the hedgerow could have further compromised control.