What happened
On 12 November 2008, a Pegasus XL-R, registration G-MTDI, was conducting a private flight at Long Marston Airfield in Warwickshire. Following a landing on the asphalt surface of Runway 22, the pilot continued to taxi along the runway. During this taxiing phase, the pilot applied the aircraft's foot-operated brake. This action caused the front tyre to deform and make contact with the brake bar, resulting in the nosewheel locking up. Consequently, the aircraft tipped forward, leading to structural damage including a cracked fibreglass pod, a broken monopole, and damage to the wing fabric and front tyre. The pilot sustained no injuries and was able to exit the aircraft safely.
The investigation
Investigators examined the mechanical design of the braking system, which utilizes a spring-return, foot-operated lever. This mechanism operates by applying frictional force via a metal tubular arch to the top of the front tyre. The investigation also reviewed the manufacturer's operating limitations provided in the operator's handbook. These instructions specifically state that the foot brake should not be used at speeds exceeding 15 mph and, crucially, that the brake should only be applied while the aircraft is moving in a straight line to prevent the aircraft from tipping over.