What happened
On 5 April 2006, a Pegasus Quantum 15-912, registration G-BYNO, was conducting a trial flying lesson near Marlborough, Wiltshire. The flight was progressing normally during the approach to the landing threshold of the airstrip, despite some turbulence caused by local terrain. While at approximately 80 feet above ground level, the aircraft experienced a sudden pitch-up and a right-hand roll.
During this maneuver, the passenger and several witnesses heard an unusual noise, and an observer noted a cable trailing behind the aircraft. The aircraft subsequently struck the roof of a barn located near the runway threshold. The impact resulted in two serious injuries—one to the pilot and one to the passenger—and the destruction of the aircraft and damage to the barn roof.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and discovered that the swages at one end of all four rigging cable assemblies had failed. These cables are critical components that transmit control forces from the base bar to the wing. The investigation established that these four assemblies had been replaced on 2 and 22 March 2006, shortly before the accident.
Crucially, the replacement cables were locally manufactured items that did not meet the standards set by the manufacturer's Operator's Manual or the British Microlight Aircraft Association (BMAA) Guide to Airworthiness Procedures. The investigation also recovered debris from the propeller and protective plastic sleeves from the rear cables, suggesting the rear cables likely failed in flight prior to the forward cables.
Findings
- The swages on all four rigging cable assemblies failed during flight.
- The replacement cables were not manufacturer-approved and did not conform to required airworthiness procedures.
- The failure of these non-standard, locally made components led to the loss of control.