What happened
On 8 August 2009, a Pegasus XL-Q, registration G-MVRU, was performing a private flight at Brookfield Farm Strip, located approximately 14 nm north-east of Lincoln. The airstrip used for the landing was a grass surface, measuring 350 metres in length and 15 metres in width, oriented east-west.
During the initial approach from the east, the pilot observed the aircraft drifting to the right during the flare. Consequently, the pilot decided to execute a go-around. On the subsequent approach, the pilot chose to land to the left of the centreline. However, as the aircraft decelerated following touchdown, it continued to drift further left. At a groundspeed of approximately 10 to 12 kt, the left main wheel exited the runway surface and entered the rough ground of an adjacent field. This caused the aircraft to yaw left and tip over, eventually rolling onto its side. The pilot, who was wearing a protective helmet and a lap strap, escaped the incident without injury.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances of the landing and the physical characteristics of the airfield. Investigators reviewed the pilot's decision-making regarding the landing offset and considered environmental factors, such as potential changes in wind direction. The investigation also referenced safety standards regarding the width of short runways, noting that under CAP 428, runways shorter than 800 metres should maintain a minimum width of 18 metres.