What happened
On 17 August 2008, a Pegasus XL-Q, registration G-MTYE, was taxiing at the Enstone Microlight Club in Oxfordshire. The aircraft, which was being operated for a private flight, was holding short of the active runway. At the time of the incident, the surface wind was estimated to be between 8 and 10 knots, originating from the aircraft's 7 o'clock position.
While the pilot was reaching for the radio, an accidental movement of the control bar occurred. This action, combined with a gust of wind, caused the wing's trailing edge to lift, tipping the aircraft forward onto its port leading edge.
The investigation
The investigation established that the engine was shut down following the tip. With the assistance of ground personnel, the aircraft was lifted back onto its main wheels. The inspection of the aircraft revealed structural damage to the trike pylon and the wing hang strap.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the inadvertent pulling of the control bar by the pilot while reaching for the radio.
- A gust of wind contributed to the wing tipping onto its leading edge.