What happened
On 31 May 2006, a Pegasus XL-R, registration G-MTWA, departed from Roddige Airfield for a private flight. Shortly after takeoff, while the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 150 feet, the pilot began an extended crosswind leg. During this maneuver, the microlight started to descend. Although the pilot turned the aircraft into the wind and maintained full throttle, the descent could not be arrested due to a tailwind component.
Finding the aircraft too far from the airfield to attempt a return to the runway, the pilot opted to perform an immediate forced landing in a large field directly ahead. Upon touchdown, the aircraft's nosewheel struck an area of soft ground, causing it to dig in and break off. This impact resulted in the microlight turning over. The pilot sustained no injuries and exited the wreckage unassisted.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the apparent loss of performance during the climb. The pilot reported that the engine had been running smoothly with no signs of rough running or irregularities prior to the incident, which led investigators to rule out carburetor icing as a likely cause.
Technical examinations of the engine were conducted, including a test run performed under AAIB supervision after a replacement propeller was installed. These tests revealed no mechanical defects, no restrictions in the engine control cables, and no abnormalities in engine performance.