What happened
On 11 December 2004, a Pterodactyl Ptraveller with registration G-MBLN was undergoing a check flight to revalidate its Permit to Fly at Prospect Farm, Wollaston. The aircraft had recently been restored by its owner. During the flight, the pilot performed various manoeuvres, including stalls and turns, at a very low altitude, often below 500 ft agl. Witnesses observed the aircraft enter a left turn at approximately 150 ft agl, at which point the bank angle increased and the nose pitched down, leading to a steep spiral into the ground. The pilot sustained serious injuries, including a punctured lung and leg fractures, and was evacuated by air ambulance.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and found the aircraft was structurally intact prior to impact, with no evidence of mechanical or structural failure. While the winglet control cables had pulled away from their fittings, evidence suggested this was a result of the high forces during the crash rather than a mid-air disconnection. The investigation also reviewed the pilot's credentials and found significant discrepancies between the experience claimed in his annual BMAA renewal forms and the actual hours recorded in his logbook. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the flight was conducted at altitudes far below the recommended minimum of 2,500 ft agl for stall testing.
Findings
- The aircraft struck the ground in a steep, uncontrolled spiral from an altitude that precluded recovery.
- The pilot lacked recent experience on this specific aircraft type and had falsified experience claims to maintain his Check Pilot status.
- The flight was conducted at dangerously low altitudes, violating the BMAA requirement to perform stalls at a minimum of 2,500 ft agl.
- There was no evidence of any pre-impact structural or engine failure.