What happened
On 2 July 2006, a Renegade Spirit UK microllight, registration G-TBMW, was conducting a private flight near Alconbury, Cambridgeshire. As the aircraft approached Brooklands Farm Strip, the pilot intended to perform an overhead pass at approximately 100 feet to verify the runway was unobstructed. At the time, the weather was clear but characterized by strong thermal gusts and an east/south-easterly wind of 10 to 12 knots.
During a pass along the runway, the right wing of the aircraft stalled. This caused the aircraft to bank toward the dead side of the wind, leading into a spin that continued until the aircraft struck the ground. The impact caused substantial damage to the fuselage and wings. The pilot sustained one injury (a broken leg and a broken nose). Following the crash, a small fire ignited, which was successfully suppressed using a hand-held extinguisher.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the flight conditions and the pilot's maneuvers during the approach to the airstrip. The pilot acknowledged that the aircraft had been maintained at a speed that was too low for the prevailing meteorological conditions.