What happened
On 7 May 2003, a pilot was conducting a solo flight from Fristling Hall Farm Airstrip in Essex in a Pegasus XL-Q microlight, registration G-MWOX. The pilot, who had not flown for seven months, had prepared the aircraft for flight following a meticulous rigging process. The flight began normally with a takeoff from Runway 13.
During the flight, the pilot attempted several landings. An initial approach to Runway 13 resulted in a go-around after the aircraft drifted from the centerline. A subsequent approach to the reciprocal Runway 31 also failed to result in a landing, necessitating a second go-around. On the final attempt to land on Runway 13, witnesses observed the pilot making large control inputs. The aircraft drifted left of the runway centerline and entered a third go-around.
During this final maneuver, the aircraft climbed at a low speed, following the contour of the rising ground. The left wing of the aircraft struck a solitary tree in a hedgerow at approximately 30 feet altitude. The impact caused the aircraft to yaw left and descend out of control into a nearby field. The pilot sustained one fatality due to severe internal injuries.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the wreckage and recovered GPS data to reconstruct the flight path. The investigation confirmed that the engine and airframe were in good working order, with no mechanical defects found that would have hindered performance. The engine was producing significant power at the time of the impact, as evidenced by damage to the propeller blades.
Investigators also reviewed the pilot's flying history. While the pilot was known to be a cautious and meticulous flyer, he had previously experienced difficulties landing this specific aircraft type, which is more demanding than his previous model. Witnesses noted a tendency to overcontrol the aircraft during the final stages of approach. Additionally, the investigation noted that the airstrip's windsock was not deployed, meaning the pilot had assessed the wind direction using grass.
Findings
- The aircraft struck a tree at low altitude during a go-around.
- The pilot's flight path followed the rising terrain, and the specific tree may have been obscured by a nearby copse of trees.
- The pilot did not appear to realize the proximity of the tree, potentially due to looking toward the airstrip or the other runway during the maneuver.
- The aircraft was performing a low-level circuit that could have been intended to reposition for another approach.
- No mechanical or medical factors contributed to the loss of control.