AAIB Report: Pegasus Quik (G-CCPC), Fatal accident, 1 June 2022
Safety Recommendation: 2023-037
Safety Recommendation Text
It is recommended that the UK Civil Aviation Authority issue a Mandatory Permit Directive to mandate Pegasus Sport Aviation Ltd Service Bulletin 159 to embody a Starter Inhibitor Switch on all in-service Pegasus Sport Aviation Ltd aircraft.
CAA latest update
The CAA has now issued a Mandatory Permit Directive MPD 2024-003: Pegasus Sport Aviation Ltd Quik, QuikR, Quik GTR, GT450 and Quantum microlights: Engine Ignition – Starter Inhibitor Switch – Modification on 18th December 2024 which requires all electric start Pegasus Quik, QuikR, Quik GTR, GT450, and Quantum aircraft to comply with the updated Pegasus Sport Aviation Ltd Service Bulletin (SB) 159.
MPD compliance is required no later than 25 hours or 6 months from the effective date of the MPD, whichever occurs first.
Safety Recommendation: 2023-038
Safety Recommendation Text
It is recommended that the UK Civil Aviation Authority review the suitability of the Configuration Specific Provision in British Civil Airworthiness Requirements, Section S 1307 (a) Miscellaneous equipment which states, ‘except that only a lap strap need be provided for front seat occupants of a weight-shift controlled aircraft’.
CAA latest update
The CAA accepts this Safety Recommendation.
The CAA has coordinated with the BMAA to assess the suitability of British Civil Airworthiness Requirements (BCAR) Section S 1307 (a), as currently worded, which allows weight-shift controlled aircraft to be designed with only a lap strap for front seat occupants.
Both the CAA and BMAA consider that a change to S 1307 (a) to remove the aforementioned exception for weight-shift aircraft is justified. The next review of BCAR Section S is scheduled to take place in 2025 and will include a proposal to amend S 1307 (a) such that upper torso restraint (UTR) will be required for all occupants. In the meantime, any applicant seeking UK type acceptance/approval for a new weight-shift controlled aircraft will be advised of the forthcoming change to S 1307 (a) and encouraged to include UTR for all seats, if not already part of the design, in advance of the update to BCAR Section S coming
into force.
Although most weight-shift controlled aircraft do have upper torso restraints available for front seat occupants, the CAA acknowledges that a culture of not wearing them is pervasive within the flex-wing community. The CAA recognises the positive steps taken by the Microlight Panel of Examiners and the BMAA to change this culture, as evidenced by the guidance that both have published, which is highlighted in the AAIB report for G-CCPC.
The CAA considers the above actions satisfy the intent of the safety recommendation.