What happened
On 18 April 2014, a Quik GT4SL (registration G-JULE) was performing a private flight when it was involved in an accident at Mayfield Airstrip, Ormskirk, Lancashire. During the landing phase on Runway 02, the pilot was operating in surface wind conditions estimated to be north-westerly at 10 knots.
As the aircraft progressed halfway along the grass runway during the landing roll, a crosswind component caused the left wing to lift. This movement resulted in the right wing making contact with the ground. The impact caused the right wing to break and the aircraft to roll onto its right side, which subsequently damaged the pod.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examiner reviewed the circumstances of the landing and the environmental conditions present at the time of the incident. The pilot, who held a National Private Pilot’s Licence and had 204 hours of flight experience, provided details regarding the wind conditions and the sequence of the aircraft's movement on the grass surface.
Findings
- The aircraft sustained a broken wing and a cracked pod.
- There were no injuries to the pilot.
- The primary factor in the accident was the pilot's underestimation of the crosswind during the landing roll.