What happened
On 30 July 2006, a Pegasus XL-Q, registration G-MWKZ, was conducting a private flight when it experienced a landing accident at Ledbury Airfield, Herefordshire. Following a standard approach, the aircraft made contact with the ground on its main wheels with significant force. Upon the subsequent contact of the front wheel, the front suspension forks failed. This structural failure caused the aircraft to pitch forward onto its nose.
Both the pilot and the passenger were wearing helmets and appropriate safety restraints at the time of the impact. The pilot sustained minor injuries, while the passenger remained unhurt. The aircraft sustained moderate damage, specifically to the cockpit, the steering mechanism, and the front suspension forks, and the sail was also torn.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the landing and the mechanical state of the landing gear. It was established that the aircraft had landed heavily on its main wheels, which initiated the failure of the front landing gear components.