What happened
On 3 September 2010, a Pegasus XL-Q, registration G-MVVN, was performing a private flight in favorable weather conditions. During the final stages of a glide approach toward Watnall airstrip in Nottinghamshire, the aircraft encountered a sudden and rapid descent. In an effort to stabilize the aircraft and arrest the rate of descent, the pilot applied power; however, the aircraft's mainwheels struck a hedge located on the airfield boundary. Following this contact, the aircraft hit the ground with significant force at the start of the grass runway, coming to a rapid stop.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The pilot, who was wearing a protective helmet and a lap harness, sustained minor injuries. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, including a shattered pod and propeller, torn sail, and bent or broken structural tubing. The pilot's experience at the time of the accident included 105 total flying hours, with 40 of those hours completed on this specific aircraft type.