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Fatal Devon microlight crash: Turbulence 'a factor' | Fatal Devon microlight crash: Turbulence 'a factor' |
(35 minutes later) | |
Turbulence is thought to have contributed to a microlight crash that killed the pilot and injured his nine-year-old passenger, a report has found. | Turbulence is thought to have contributed to a microlight crash that killed the pilot and injured his nine-year-old passenger, a report has found. |
The aircraft, which took off from Somerset, crashed into trees as it came in to land at Farway Common Airfield, south of Honiton in Devon, on 18 April. | The aircraft, which took off from Somerset, crashed into trees as it came in to land at Farway Common Airfield, south of Honiton in Devon, on 18 April. |
The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) also found the pilot, aged 50, was not familiar with the airfield and had little recent flying experience. | The Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) also found the pilot, aged 50, was not familiar with the airfield and had little recent flying experience. |
The aircraft was also overloaded. | The aircraft was also overloaded. |
AAIB investigators said the pilot had taken off from Westonzoyland Airfield, near Bridgwater, with his son on board, a full tank of fuel, and a load of sleeping bags and inflatable beds. | AAIB investigators said the pilot had taken off from Westonzoyland Airfield, near Bridgwater, with his son on board, a full tank of fuel, and a load of sleeping bags and inflatable beds. |
The Pegasus Quik aircraft struck the tops of trees after veering right on the final approach to land. | The Pegasus Quik aircraft struck the tops of trees after veering right on the final approach to land. |
The boy told investigators the aircraft had "dipped down" as they neared the runway and likened this to turbulence earlier in the flight. | The boy told investigators the aircraft had "dipped down" as they neared the runway and likened this to turbulence earlier in the flight. |
Airfield photograph 'old' | Airfield photograph 'old' |
He recalled the pilot, his father, increased power and appeared to push the control bar as far forward as he could, but this did not prevent the aircraft hitting trees. | He recalled the pilot, his father, increased power and appeared to push the control bar as far forward as he could, but this did not prevent the aircraft hitting trees. |
The pilot suffered internal abdominal injuries and severe chest injuries, and was pronounced dead at the scene. | The pilot suffered internal abdominal injuries and severe chest injuries, and was pronounced dead at the scene. |
His son had cuts, bruises and a broken arm. | His son had cuts, bruises and a broken arm. |
The airfield photograph the pilot carried showed trees, but he would not have known the picture was five years old and they were likely to have grown. | The airfield photograph the pilot carried showed trees, but he would not have known the picture was five years old and they were likely to have grown. |
The report said it was likely the aircraft descended into turbulent air in the lee of the trees to the right. | The report said it was likely the aircraft descended into turbulent air in the lee of the trees to the right. |
It pointed out the microlight's operator manual says airstrips surrounded by trees or other obstacles should be avoided since low-level turbulence is likely to be present. | It pointed out the microlight's operator manual says airstrips surrounded by trees or other obstacles should be avoided since low-level turbulence is likely to be present. |
Investigators found the weight limit for the pilot's seat was exceeded by 18 kg, which would have slightly reduced the ability to pitch up. | Investigators found the weight limit for the pilot's seat was exceeded by 18 kg, which would have slightly reduced the ability to pitch up. |
Records also showed he had not flown between August 2013 and March 2014. Although there was evidence he had flown twice since then, he had not had a refresher lesson. | |
The airfield's owner has now added notes to its website about turbulence and windshear from the trees close to the Runway 36 approach, and the height of the trees. | The airfield's owner has now added notes to its website about turbulence and windshear from the trees close to the Runway 36 approach, and the height of the trees. |
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