Microlight Accident and Incident Summary 01/2013

Transcription

1 Microlight and Incident Summary 01/2013 This accident report summary is collated by the BMAA from information gathered. The information sources used are the Air Investigation Branch of the Department for Transport (), the Civil Aviation Authority Mandatory Occurrence s (CAA MOR) and reports made directly to the BMAA by members and operators. The individual reports within the accident summary are taken from the information available to the BMAA and where the BMAA has made comment this is clearly shown. The BMAA does not investigate accidents and incidents, this role being the responsibility of the and the CAA who have the expertise, experience and funding for investigation. All pilots reading the reports should try to make their own assessment of underlying causes and use the experience of others to enhance their own knowledge to help them become safer pilots.

2 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/01/02 date: Axis Skyranger Flight phase: Landing Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 1344 PIC on 16 Pilot injuries: N/A Passenger injuries: N/A damage: Medium report. The pilot was returning to his home airfield at North Moor but found that it, and others in the vicinity, had closed due to poor visibility. He saw that Hollym Airfield was clear but, upon touching down found that there was a lack of braking action and ran into a fence at the end of the runway at slow speed. A combination of very wet runway conditions and a misidentification of the runway he had been recommended to use were probably responsible for the overrun. Weather/ Diversion/ Precautionary Landing/ Time of Year BMAA and Incident report 2014

3 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/02/12 date: Weightshift GT 450 Flight phase: Landing training Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 33 PIC on 16 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: N/A damage: Minor report. The aircraft touched down heavily on its nose landing gear deflating the nose gear tyre. The aircraft became airborne again and the pilot initiated a go-around. The aircraft subsequently landed without incident. The pilot attributed the event to a failure to flare the aircraft during the final stages of the approach to land. No comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

4 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/04/01 date: Axis Skyranger Flight phase: Landing Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 277 PIC on 28 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: N/A damage: Severe report. The aircraft made a normal approach to the runway but as the pilot flared for touchdown, he experienced a strong gust of wind from the right. The right wing lifted and the nosewheel and left mainwheel struck the ground heavily. The nose landing gear collapsed and, after a short distance, the aircraft nosed over onto its back. Both occupants were able to exit the aircraft without difficulty. No comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

5 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/02/08 date: Axis Thruster T600N Flight phase: In flight Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 75 PIC on 45 Pilot injuries: N/A Passenger injuries: N/A damage: Severe report. Summary: After about 1¼ hours of flight and whilst the aircraft was climbing, the propeller suddenly detached. The aircraft was damaged as it overran the field selected for the forced landing. The propeller flange mounting screws had failed in fatigue in a manner apparently similar to three previous events investigated by the and had achieved only about half their operating life of 500 hours. Owners of this type of aircraft may wish to contact the manufacturers BMAA and Incident report 2014

6 BMAA Flight EW/G201304/16 date: Axis CTSW Flight phase: Landing Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 1574 PIC on 183 Pilot injuries: Serious Passenger injuries: N/A damage: Severe report. Summary: The aircraft bounced slightly on landing. The pilot opened the throttle to assist with controlling the aircraft, but the engine did not respond. After a series of pitch excursions, the nose landing gear collapsed and the aircraft inverted. No comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

7 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/04/05 date: Axis Skyranger Flight phase: Landing Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 746 PIC on 35 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: N/A damage: Major report. The grass runway at Sackville Farm had been unusable for most of the previous three months due to snow and heavy rain. On the day before the accident, the pilot inspected the runway and was satisfied that, although the ground was still soft, it was suitable for microlight operations. The following day, several other aircraft were flying from the airfield. The wind was from 020 at about 7 kt and variable, giving a slight tailwind on occasions on Runway 31. The flight was uneventful until final approach, when the pilot encountered a rising thermal. This necessitated a slipped approach, with the pilot recovering from the slip shortly before landing. Mindful of the soft ground, the pilot held off to reduce airspeed to as low as possible, before making a normal touchdown. As he relaxed pressure on the controls, the aircraft decelerated rapidly as the nose leg dug into the surface and folded underneath the aircraft. At very slow speed, the aircraft continued to pitch nose down and inverted. The pilot was uninjured and vacated the aircraft without difficulty. The correct procedure for soft field landings is to touch down on the main wheels. To prevent rapid deceleration power may be applied. BMAA and Incident report 2014

8 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/04/02 date: Axis Escapade Flight phase: Landing Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 312 PIC on 163 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: N/A damage: Major report. The pilot was conducting a local flight from a private airstrip. The grass airstrip was orientated 01/19, and the pilot estimated the surface wind at 9 or 10 kt, variable in direction between 010 and 080. After taking off in a northerly direction he encountered rather turbulent conditions, so decided to curtail the flight and return to the airstrip. As he descended on final approach there was still some turbulence, so he configured the aircraft with two stages of flaps (30 ) and increased the approach speed from 50 to 55 kt. The pilot was satisfied with the final approach, although there was a significant crosswind. Approaching the flare the aircraft was slightly fast and the pilot anticipated a slightly late touchdown. However, the aircraft suddenly sank from about 10 ft onto the airstrip, which the pilot thought may have been due to an unexpected wind shift. The aircraft then encountered a bump about halfway along the 500 m strip, and bounced back into the air. When it touched down again the nose leg collapsed, followed by the right leg. The aircraft veered to the right but remained substantially upright. Lack of recency BMAA and Incident report 2014

9 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/04/06 date: Axis Ikarus C42 Flight phase: Landing Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 141 PIC on 141 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: minor damage: Severe reportthe aircraft was landing at Perranporth Airfield following a flight from Old Sarum Airfield, near Salisbury. The weather was fine, with a surface wind from 150 at 15 kt. The pilot joined the circuit via the downwind position for Runway 09 and, as the wind was rather gusty with some turbulence, he elected to fly the approach with a reduced flap setting. On final approach, the aircraft was subject to a significant crosswind component, which necessitated a wing down approach. When just above the ground, the aircraft stalled and struck the runway hard. The pilot attempted to fly a go-around, but the aircraft appeared to be caught by a gust of wind which caused it to roll and veer to the left. It struck the ground again adjacent to the runway threshold and came to rest, having sustained extensive damage. The pilot, who was uninjured, made the aircraft safe and vacated though his door. His passenger also vacated by his own door, and was treated locally by a paramedic for a cut to his head. The pilot believed the loss of control and subsequent accident had been caused by strong, gusty wind conditions at the time of landing. No comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

10 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/04/09 date: Weightshift Mainair Blade Flight phase: Landing Training Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 26 PIC on 26 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: none damage: Severe The solo student was taking off from Runway 08 at Caernarfon Airport to practise circuits. The pilot stated that, having reduced engine power shortly after takeoff, the right wing dropped and the aircraft started to descend. He applied full power in an attempt to arrest the descent, but the wing dropped further to the right before striking the runway surface and the aircraft fell onto its right side. The pilot, who was wearing a helmet and lap strap, was unhurt. He considered that the accident had been caused by an excessive reduction of engine power which had resulted in a nose-down attitude combined with a wing drop. No comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

11 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/05/16 date: 26/ Weightshift Quantum Flight phase: Landing Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 116 PIC on 66 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: minor damage: Severe report. The pilot had flown from Harringe Airfield in Kent to the private grass airstrip near Rye, East Sussex. He recalled that there was a light northerly surface wind, becoming more westerly and gusty by the time of the accident. The airstrip was orientated 02/20 and was described by the pilot as narrow, fenced, and with trees immediately to the west. He flew an approach to Runway 20, but encountered turbulence on the approach and twice flew a go-around. The third approach was flown to a landing, but the microlight appeared to be caught by a gust of wind after landing which blew it to the left and into a wire fence where it came to an abrupt halt. Given the circumstances of this occurrence, consideration should be given to a diversion if fuel allowed BMAA and Incident report 2014

12 BMAA Flight EW/G201304/17 date: Weightshift Mainair Blade Flight phase: Landing training Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 44 PIC on 3 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: N/A damage: Severe report. At a late stage of the approach to Runway 27 at Scone Airfield, the student pilot encountered a significant change in wind, which was reported as being from 250 at 8 kt. The aircraft was pushed left then right, and the pilot applied full power in an attempt to go-around. However, the aircraft sank and struck the runway before veering off to the right. The pilot, who was wearing a lap harness and protective helmet, was uninjured. No comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

13 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/04/14 date: Weightshift Quantum Flight phase: Landing Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 170 PIC on 170 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: none damage: major report. The pilot lost directional control following a bounced landing. The weather conditions, final approach path and lack of recent flying practice probably contributed to the accident. Lack of recency BMAA and Incident report 2014

14 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/05/09 date: Type 3Axis Eurostar Flight phase: T/O Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 265 PIC on 238 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: None damage: Major report. The Eurostar aircraft was parked at Shoreham when a member of the ground crew observed it being lifted off the ground several times as an Apache helicopter landed nearby. Before departing for Landmead the Eurostar pilot made only a quick pre-flight check because the Apache was due to start up. During the landing roll at Landmead the pilot applied the brakes and the aircraft swerved left, causing the nose leg and right main gear leg to collapse. The pilot considered that some damage may have been caused at Shoreham which a more thorough preflight inspection might have revealed. No comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

15 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/05/01 date: Axis Ikarus C42 Flight phase: Preflight Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 78 PIC on 78 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: minor damage: Proppellor report. After refuelling the aircraft and completing the checks, the pilot started the engine and ran it at idle to allow it to warm up. His passenger was strapped in and the doors were closed but the passenger complained that she could not find her mobile telephone and suddenly, against the advice of the pilot, opened the door, stepped out of the aircraft and into the path of the rotating propeller. She suffered a suspected dislocated shoulder and two of the three composite propeller blades were damaged. A thorough safety briefing should be given to all persons about to board & fly in a microlight aircraft BMAA and Incident report 2014

16 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/05/19 date: Axis Ikarus C42 Flight phase: Landing Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 156 PIC on 156 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: N/A damage: Major report. The aircraft was landing at Old Sarum Airfield following a flight from Popham. The weather conditions were fine, with a very light wind from the north-west. The pilot flew a normal approach to Runway 24 but the aircraft ballooned in the flare, which the pilot attributed to him pulling the control column back too far. He attempted to recover the situation by applying a small amount of power to control the descent on to the runway. However, the aircraft made a heavy touch down and the left main landing gear collapsed, causing the aircraft to veer sharply to the left and off the grass runway. The pilot and his passenger, who were both wearing full harnesses, were uninjured. In his report, the pilot recognised that a go-around would have been the correct course of action. Lack of recency BMAA and Incident report 2014

17 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/05/23 date: Weightshift P&M Quik Flight phase: Takeoff Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 1082 PIC on 36 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: minor damage: Severe The microlight failed to gain height after taking off from a field site. With insufficient distance to abort the takeoff safely, the pilot attempted to gain airspeed to clear the boundary hedge. However, the main wheels caught in the hedge and the aircraft stalled, landing heavily in the field beyond. The pilot believed adverse local wind effects had played a part in the accident. Extra caution should be exercised when operating from short strips BMAA and Incident report 2014

18 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/07/12 date: Axis Thruster TST Flight phase: T/O Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: PIC on 108 Pilot injuries: serious Passenger injuries: serious damage: Major report. The pilot lined up on Runway 26 and set takeoff power. The aircraft became airborne and initially achieved the normal rate of climb but shortly after there was a marked reduction in the rate of climb. The pilot lowered the nose in order to maintain airspeed, but the aircraft struck a tree at the end of the runway before landing heavily, seriously injuring both people onboard. No Comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

19 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/06/04 date: Weightshift P&M Quik Flight phase: Takeoff Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 300 PIC on 257 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: minor damage: Severe report. The flex-wing microlight appeared to encounter wake or propeller wash turbulence on takeoff. The aircraft turned to the right and rolled over. The pilot and passenger escaped from the aircraft quickly and without difficulty. No Comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

20 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/06/08 date: Weigthshift Mainairblade Flight phase: Landing Training Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 450 PIC on 374 Pilot injuries: N/A Passenger injuries: N/A damage: Major report. Summary: The microlight aircraft was engaged on a circuit training exercise when the accident occurred. The instructor reported that his student was flying a glide approach to the grass Runway 07 at Otherton, with a surface wind from 070 at 7 kt. The aircraft encountered an area of sink shortly before touchdown, which could not be arrested despite the instructor taking control and applying full power. The aircraft landed heavily, collapsing the rear suspension leg and damaging the keel and seat frame. The instructor reduced power to idle and brought the aircraft to a stop in about 100 m; neither occupant was injured. The instructor noted that sink due to local topographical factors was not uncommon on the approach to Runway 07, but he had not been overly concerned on the day as the surface wind was only light. No Comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

21 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/07/12 date: Weigthshift P&M GT 450 Flight phase: Landing Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 221 PIC on 38 Pilot injuries: none Passenger injuries: N/A damage: Major report. The pilot had performed a precautionary landing in a stubble field in order to check his location and onward route. Landing in a south-westerly direction with the wind from the west at mph, touchdown and ground roll were normal but, as he taxied, the into-wind wing rose and the aircraft toppled onto its left side. The pilot states that he should have held the wing lower as he turned the aircraft. No Comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

22 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/06/18 date: Weightshift Gemini Flash 11 A Flight phase: Landing Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 96 PIC on 52 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: N/A damage: Major report. The microlight aircraft suffered an engine failure in flight and the pilot carried out a forced landing into a meadow. During the landing roll the nosewheel hit a hole in the ground, causing the wheel to move full travel to the right. The aircraft slewed to the right and tipped over to its left, causing the trike and wing to strike the ground. The pilot observed that landing options had been limited, and considered that the forced landing would have been entirely successful had the aircraft not encountered the hole. The pilot was unfortunate to go into a hole after a successful landing. BMAA and Incident report 2014

23 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/06/24 date: Axis Eurostar Flight phase: Landing Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 1030 PIC on 113 Pilot injuries: N/A Passenger injuries: N/A damage: Major report. Summary: The pilot was conducting a local flight from a private grass airstrip; the weather was fine and calm. During the landing roll, the aircraft hit a surface undulation and became airborne again. The pilot reduced the pitch attitude and the aircraft touched down again before bouncing twice more. The nose landing gear collapsed, causing the propeller to strike the ground, stopping the engine. The pilot, who was uninjured, commented that immediate application of power and a go-around would have been the correct course of action after the first bounce. No Comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

24 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/06/27 date: Type Weightshift Pegasus Quantum Flight phase: Landing Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 100 PIC on 70 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: None damage: Major report. The aircraft was approaching to land with a slight crosswind component from the left. The pilot reported that he was both high and slow on the round-out and control response was sluggish. A gust of wind blew the aircraft off the centreline and it stalled at a height of about 3 ft. The aircraft struck the ground nose first and another gust blew it over inverted. Neither the pilot nor his passenger was injured. There is no substitute for adequate airspeed on approach BMAA and Incident report 2014

25 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/06/25 date: Weightshift P&M Quik Flight phase: Landing Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 311 PIC on 311 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: None damage: Major report. The microlight was landing at Wingland after a flight from Great Oakley Airfield. The weather was generally fine but the wind, which was estimated at 15 kt, was slightly turbulent and gusty. On arrival overhead Wingland, the pilot found the windsock to be indistinct. Based on his observation of nearby wind turbines, he decided the wind direction favoured grass Runway 20 and made an approach accordingly. The microlight became high on the approach, so the pilot flew a go-around, during which he noted that the windsock was indicating that Runway 13 was more suitable. He therefore flew an approach to grass Runway 13, a new runway which is about 240 m in length. Just above the surface, the microlight encountered unexpected sink and bounced, before settling on the runway. The pilot commenced braking but it soon became apparent that the microlight would not stop in the available distance remaining, which, by that time, was also insufficient for a safe go-around. The microlight overran the prepared surface and ran into a dyke, suffering extensive damage. The pilot, who was uninjured, later assessed the actual surface wind as being from 220 at 15 kt. No Comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

26 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/07/05 date: Type Weightshift Pegasus Quik Flight phase: Landing Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 220 PIC on 80 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: Minor damage: Major report. The aircraft had touched down at a short farm strip on a very warm day and at a high landing weight. The pilot felt that he was not going to stop in the distance available and tried to steer the aircraft off the runway to the right. However, it tipped onto its left wing and came to a halt on the runway 20 m from a hedge at the end. There are tools available to assist with aircraft performance calculations. CAA Safety Sense Leaflet 7c - Aeroplane Performance is recommended reading: BMAA and Incident report 2014

27 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/07/09 date: Weightshift P&M Quik Flight phase: Landing Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 600 PIC on 298 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: None damage: Major report. The pilot was making his third approach to land following two previous approaches which had been abandoned due to turbulence. At a height of 10 to 15 ft, the aircraft stalled and struck the ground left wing first. The pilot was uninjured. No Comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

28 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/07/35 date: Type Weightshift Pegasus Quantum Flight phase: Landing Training Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 60 PIC on 59 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: None damage: Major report. The student pilot was completing a solo circuit during which it was observed that the wind had become gusty and variable. As the pilot was about to flare for the landing, the aircraft climbed approximately 15 ft. The pilot reacted by lowering the nose but the left wing then lifted, banking the aircraft in excess of 60 and turning it right. The pilot levelled the wings and was about to go around when the aircraft impacted the runway and skidded off to the side into the perimeter fence. The pilot, who was wearing a protective helmet and lap strap, was unhurt. No Comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

29 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/07/07 date: Savannah 3Axis Savannah Flight phase: Landing Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 222 PIC on 110 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: None damage: Major report. The pilot had departed from a grass field and had carried out a short local flight before returning to land. The field was roughly rectangular in shape, with some poplar saplings on its southern boundary, and measured 90 m in the northerly landing direction. The weather was good, with a light surface wind from the north at about 10 kt. The estimated landing roll was approximately 50 m and the aircraft needed to touch down at a specific point, which was critical when operating into the site. The final approach was made at 50 mph with the first of two stages of flap selected. As the aircraft passed over the southern boundary of the field with the airspeed reducing to 40 mph, the pilot felt the right wing impact the top of a poplar tree. The aircraft landed heavily and the landing gear collapsed. The pilot isolated the fuel and the electrical systems before exiting the aircraft uninjured. He considered that the cause of the accident was operating into a marginal site and becoming too low and slow on the approach. No Comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

30 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/07/11 date: Type 3Axis Shadow Flight phase: Landing Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 418 PIC on 327 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: None damage: Severe report. The pilot was approaching to land at a farm strip cut into a crop of wheat in an east-west orientation. With the calm wind conditions slightly favouring a landing towards the west, he approached from the north, intending to close with the runway part-way along its length to avoid overflying a farm at the eastern end. He reported that he had performed this approach on many occasions. He planned to practise a dead-stick approach and closed the throttle as he descended from 1,500 ft. The pilot recalled being about 15 to 20 ft above the wheat crop and aiming for the touchdown point when he suddenly became aware that he was brushing the top of it. He opened the throttle but this seemed to draw him further into the crop, so he closed the throttle and accepted a landing in the crop. The aircraft stopped very rapidly, but remained upright, and he evacuated normally. The pilot believes he allowed the aircraft to become too slow and flat on the approach and that tall trees to the south sheltered it from any breeze that might have been present. It is good to practice forced landing, it is wise to give due consideration to the area in which you are practicing in order to give yourself a suitable margin for error. This is one exercise that is best practised with an instructor who can help determine a suitible practice area and to provide feedback on technique BMAA and Incident report 2014

31 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/08/16 date: Type Weightshift Gemini Flash 11A Flight phase: Landing training Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 810 PIC on 810 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: None damage: Major report. The flex-wing microlight was engaged on a training exercise when the accident occurred. The weather was fine, with a surface wind from 090 at 10 kt. The student pilot flew a normal approach and landing to Runway 08 and, as the aircraft slowed, made a steering input to turn to the left in order to vacate the runway. As he did so, the instructor s right foot became stuck between the rear steering control and the right fuselage side, preventing the student from returning the steering to centre. The aircraft steered sharply to the left, causing it to roll to the right and overturn. Neither occupant was injured. No comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

32 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/07/12 date: Weigthshift Mainairblade Flight phase: T/O Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 502 PIC on 502 Pilot injuries: Minor Passenger injuries: N/A damage: Severe report. Summary: Climbing through about 200 ft after takeoff from Runway 27 at Boston, and whilst banked to the right, the microlight s engine failed. The pilot turned right towards a playing field north of the runway, but assessed the aircraft would not be able to clear a dyke beforehand. He therefore turned further right, back towards the runway, but was unable to clear a second dyke that ran parallel to the runway on its northern side. The aircraft struck the top of the dyke and rolled forward onto the airfield, coming to rest beside the grass runway. The weather conditions were fine and warm, with a temperature of about 28 C. The pilot thought this may have led to vapour lock which disrupted the fuel supply to the engine. No Comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

33 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/07/23 date: Type 3Axis Skyranger Flight phase: Landing Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 612 PIC on 47 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: None damage: Severe report. Having flown from Broadmeadow Airfield to pick up a passenger at a private airstrip near Retford, the pilot then routed to Strathaven Airfield where the aircraft was positioned for landing on Runway 09. The pilot stated that the weather conditions were good, with a light north-easterly wind. The approach was uneventful but, shortly after touching down, the aircraft became airborne again due to an undulation in the grass surface. The pilot stated that he moved the stick forward and the aircraft began to porpoise, initially touching down and bouncing before touching down again with a more pronounced nosedown attitude. The nose gear collapsed and the aircraft tipped forward and came to rest inverted. Both occupants were wearing full harnesses and no injuries were sustained. The pilot stated that he had probably landed a little too fast and his forward stick input had been a major factor. He further reflected that he should have applied additional power and gone around. No Comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

34 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/08/06 date: Type 3Axis Eurostar Flight phase: T/O Training Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 46 PIC on 46 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: None damage: Major report. The student pilot initiated takeoff with an incorrect pitch trim setting. The aircraft pitched nose down shortly after takeoff and entered a series of pitch oscillations during which it touched down on its nose landing gear, which collapsed. Routine pre take off checks are intended to ensure the A/C & pilot are correctly set up for flight BMAA and Incident report 2014

35 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/08/16 date: Type 3Axis Eurostar Flight phase: Landing Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 3100 PIC on 85 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: None damage: Major report. The pilot was carrying out an approach to Runway 21 at Perth airport, accompanied by an instructor. During the flare, the pilot perceived an excessive sink rate and the aircraft yawed and rolled to the right. The instructor took control to commence a go-around and, as he started to rotate the aircraft into the climbing attitude, he assessed that the right wingtip contacted the runway. He immediately aborted the go-around and the aircraft touched down on the grass beside the runway and rolled into standing crop. The damage to the underside of the winglet was consistent with it having contacted the runway. No comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

36 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/08/23 date: Type 3Axis Eurostar Flight phase: Landing Training Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 60 PIC on 59 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: None damage: Major report. Following a number of successful circuits with his instructor, the solo student, who had a total of 1 hour 45 minutes as PIC, was carrying out a touch-and-go landing on Runway 08. The surface wind was reported as being from 040 at 9 kt. The student reported that all went well during the flare until the aircraft suddenly dropped on to the runway. It then bounced and was seen to develop an oscillation in pitch, resulting in a nosewheel first touchdown and the subsequent collapse of the nose landing gear. The aircraft came to a halt on the runway and the pilot, who was uninjured, was able to vacate it unaided. No Comment BMAA and Incident report 2014

37 BMAA Flight EW/G2013/08/23 date: Type 3Axis Xair Flight phase: In Flight Pilot s licence: NPPLM PIC Total: 153 PIC on 94 Pilot injuries: None Passenger injuries: None damage: Severe report. Approximately 15 minutes into an uneventful flight, the engine started to make a loud, unusual noise and lost power. The pilot managed to use the limited power available to position the aircraft for a landing in the only suitable field in the immediate vicinity. The field was approximately 200 m long and 100 m wide, and bounded by a 2 m high dry stone wall. Electrical overhead cables ran diagonally across the field in which a herd of cows was grazing. During the landing, both mainwheels broke off the stub axles. Following the accident the owner found a large number of small fragments of metal in the oil drained from the engine sump and assessed that the loss of power was probably due to an internal mechanical failure. At the time of the accident the aircraft and engine had flown approximately 137 hours. The damage to the landing gear and bends in the main fuselage tube wing spars were consistent with the aircraft having landed heavy. The damage to the aircraft was assessed as beyond economic repair. No Comment BMAA and Incident report 2014