What happened
On 31 August 2010, a Pegasus Quik, registration G-SHEZ, was performing a private flight when it was involved in an accident during the landing phase at Bycross Farm Airstrip, Preston on Wye, Herefordshire. The aircraft was approaching Runway 36 under calm wind conditions.
During the approach, the pilot was managing a nervous passenger, which created pressure to complete the landing quickly. This resulted in an excessive approach speed. The aircraft subsequently landed long on the 235 m grass runway. Although the surface had been dry during takeoff 30 minutes earlier, the presence of dew had made the runway surface wet. Upon touchdown, the pilot applied full braking, which caused the aircraft to skid on the damp grass. The aircraft rolled onto its right side, resulting in damage to the right wing leading edge, the king post, and the right wheel spat. There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the condition of the airstrip. It was established that the rapid formation of dew on the grass had significantly altered the runway surface friction between the time of takeoff and landing. The pilot also reflected that, given the calm winds and the availability of the longer 300 m Runway 27/09, a go-around should have been performed instead of attempting the landing on the shorter, wet runway.