What happened
On 28 March 2005, a Rans S6-ES Coyote II, registration G-CCNB, was participating in a private flight during a 'Festival of Transport' at Weston Park, Shropshire. While performing a landing approach towards the north-east, the pilot observed a flex-wing microlight taxiing on the opposite end of the landing area. Fearing a potential collision with the other aircraft, the pilot initiated a go-around.
During the maneuver, the aircraft experienced a sudden wing drop followed by a roll to the right. Despite control inputs, the aircraft lost altitude and struck the ground between two parked motor caravans. The impact caused the aircraft to strike an awning attached to one vehicle, which resulted in one serious injury to the owner of the caravan. The aircraft sustained substantial damage, and two vehicles also suffered minor damage.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the aircraft's mechanical condition and the pilot's training background. It was discovered that the aircraft's elevators had been incorrectly rigged during construction, which restricted the range of travel and made the aircraft difficult to stall. Additionally, the aircraft was found to be overweight, exceeding its maximum approved gross weight.
The investigation also looked into the pilot's experience. The pilot held a Private Pilot’s Licence for microlights but had primarily trained on weight-shift (flex-wing) aircraft. His experience on three-axis control systems was limited, and he had not flown this specific type for several months. Furthermore, the investigation noted that the landing area's significant slope could have created an illusory horizon, potentially leading the pilot to pitch the nose up too high during the go-around.
Findings
- The aircraft was overweight at the time of the accident.
- The incorrectly rigged elevators made the aircraft difficult to stall, which may have led to a lack of awareness regarding the approaching stall.
- The pilot's lack of recent practice and specific training on three-axis control systems contributed to the loss of control.
- An illusory visual horizon, caused by the slope of the landing area, likely contributed to an inappropriate pitch attitude during the go-around.