What happened
On 10 June 2008, a Quik GT450, registration G-CDVZ, was conducting a private flight from Carlisle to Mount Airey, near Huddersfield. The purpose of the flight was to rendezvous with two other Quik microlight aircraft that were already on the ground. Upon arriving over the airfield after a flight duration of roughly 80 minutes, the pilot noted that the windsock indicated a wind direction between 250° and 330°.
As the pilot commenced an approach to Runway 25, the aircraft encountered turbulence during the base leg. The pilot observed a significant reduction in ground speed and noted that the aircraft rolled to the left. During the initial touchdown, the aircraft ballooned back into the air. A second touchdown occurred on the nose landing gear, causing damage and forcing the aircraft back into flight. On the third touchdown, the trike unit veered to the right, causing the left wing to strike the ground, at which point the aircraft came to a halt.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances surrounding the landing and the pilot's physical condition. The pilot reported that his judgment and ability may have been compromised due to feeling very cold during the final stages of the flight. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's damage, which included impacts to the wing, the trike unit, and the nose landing gear. The flight involved two persons on board, with the pilot sustaining one minor injury and the passenger remaining uninjured.