What happened
On 9 June 2013, a Thruster TST Mk 1, registration G-MTPY, was performing a private flight from a field near Rhosgilwen Mansion, Pembrokeshire. The flight was intended to transport the pilot and one passenger to a social event at another microlight site.
During the takeoff roll on Runway 26, the aircraft accelerated normally and lifted off at the expected point. While the initial climb rate appeared standard, the aircraft's performance degraded significantly shortly after becoming airborne. In an attempt to maintain airspeed, the pilot lowered the nose, but the aircraft failed to clear the trees located at the western end of the runway. The aircraft struck the top of a tree and descended rapidly, resulting in a heavy landing that caused substantial structural damage. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's performance and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The runway had a Takeoff Run Available (TORA) of 600 m, and the aircraft's weight on the day was 373 kg, which was below its maximum all-up weight of 380 kg. The weather was reported as CAVOK with calm surface winds, as indicated by the windsock.
Findings
- The aircraft struck a tree at the end of the runway after a dramatic reduction in the rate of climb.
- The engine continued to operate normally with no abnormal indications or changes in engine note.
- The pilot was unable to identify the cause of the performance loss, though it is possible the aircraft encountered an unexpected tailwind component immediately after takeoff.