Pilot reverse launched but wing came up to one side. Pilot applied power thinking they could correct the wing, but stumbled and was pulled over onto the ground.
Wrong control input
Maximum — exactly determined
During a reverse launch at London Colney Microlight Club, the wing came up asymmetrically to one side. Instead of aborting the launch, the pilot applied engine power in an attempt to correct the wing position. This decision led to the pilot stumbling and being pulled over onto the ground by the powered wing.
Wing came up asymmetrically during reverse launch. Pilot made the wrong decision to apply power rather than abort the launch, which caused him to stumble and be pulled down.
Wrong input triggered incident
August 9, 2023
United Kingdom
London Colney Microlight Club, Hatfield
Footlaunch
Ozone
Spyder 3
Male, Age 62, CP rating, 9 years experience, 50 hours total (3 hours recent)
1.4 m/s
0-5 km/h
Moderate, not turbulent
BHPA Incident Report: Date: 09.08.2023 Location: London Colney Microlight Club,, Hatfield,, UK Pilot: Male, Age 62 Rating: CP Flying Experience: 9 years 50 hours (3 hours), Rating: CP Flying Experience: 9 years 50 hours (3 hours), Experience: 9 years 50 hours (3 hours) Wing: Ozone, Spyder 3 Launch Type: Foot, Foot launch Wind/Conditions: 0-5 km/h Conditions: Moderate, Not Turbulent, Moderate, Not Turbulent Summary: Pilot reverse launched but wing came up to one side. Pilot applied power thinking they could correct the wing, but stumbled and was pulled over onto the ground. Injury: Pilot :