What happened
On 10 June 2007, a Powerchute Kestrel microlight, registration G-MWGV, was involved in an accident near Charlemont, Armarmagh, Northern Ireland. The pilot had already completed one successful 15-minute flight earlier that day. During the second flight, the pilot began the takeoff run partway down the available field rather than utilizing the full length of the runway area.
As the aircraft gained altitude, the pilot identified power lines at the end of the field. In an attempt to avoid these lines, the pilot steered the aircraft toward a meadow situated to the right. This meadow was separated from the takeoff area by a river and two hedges. While the aircraft successfully cleared the first hedge and the river, it subsequently collided with the second hedge. The impact caused damage to the propeller, the footrest, and the 'A' frame of the aircraft. The pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. The inquiry established that the pilot did not hold a flying licence and had approximately 60 hours of total flying experience. The investigation examined the flight path and the pilot's maneuvers to avoid obstacles during the climb.
Findings
- The primary causal factor was the pilot's decision to initiate takeoff partway down the field instead of using the full length available.
- The pilot's maneuver to avoid power lines led the aircraft into a path toward a meadow bounded by hedges.
- The pilot noted that the accident could have been avoided had the full length of the field been utilized for the takeoff run.