AAIB investigation to Pegasus Quantum 15-912, G-BZSS
Emergency landing after aircraft damaged in hard landing at another airfield, RAF Oakley, Buckinghamshire, 20 April 2019.
Summary:
During the approach to Holmbeck Farm Airfield, the aircraft encountered ‘sink’ on final approach. The pilot was unable to arrest the high rate of descent despite adding power and flaring. The aircraft made a hard landing that caused it substantial damage; including to its base tube, front strut, right main and nose landing gear. This damage resulted in the foot throttle becoming jammed at a high power setting.
The pilot decided to continue to climb away from the resulting bounce as the throttle was now stuck at a high power setting. He also decided to return to RAF Oakley (now disused), his home base, as it had a larger concrete runway.
During the return flight, the pilot alerted emergency services using the emergency frequency.
After a short hold overhead, to allow arrival of the emergency services, the pilot selected the ignition systems OFF and carried out a successful ‘dead-stick’ emergency landing. The pilot and passenger received minor injuries and were assisted by the emergency services.
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