The Surreal Tale of Unmanned Microlight Flights: A Case Study
- Dec 24, 2024
- 4 min read
Updated: Sep 25
Unmanned Take-Offs in Aviation History
It might seem like a scene from a movie: a small aircraft speeds down the runway, suddenly taking off into the sky—without a pilot in sight. Such incidents do happen, and one recent event was highlighted in an AAIB (Air Accidents Investigation Branch) report dated 3 October 2024. Although these occurrences are rare, they remind us that aviation, especially in the microlight sector, can surprise us in astonishing ways.
The Latest Incident: A Microlight Heads Out to Sea
On 3 October 2024, a Pegasus Quantum 15 microlight (registration G-MYZJ) took off from Athey’s Moor Airfield in Northumberland with no pilot on board. According to the AAIB summary, the aircraft battery was flat, prompting the pilot to hand start the engine from outside. Unlike typical aircraft, flex wing microlights have a pusher propeller located behind the pilot’s seat. This design helps keep the pilot safe from the spinning blades during the start process.
Unfortunately, once the engine fired up, the microlight sped away, likely because the throttle was at or near full power. It climbed into the air before anyone could stop it. The unmanned aircraft was tracked by radar as it traveled toward the coast north of Newcastle, ultimately flying out to sea and disappearing from radar. It is presumed to have crashed into the water. Fortunately, no injuries were reported on the ground. Nonetheless, the image of a single-seat microlight launching itself into the sky and vanishing remains both captivating and surreal.
Pegasus Quantum G-MYZJ pictured in 2016, courtesy of Flickr
Another Case in 2012
This isn’t the first time a flex wing microlight has flown without a pilot. Back in 2012, a Flash 2 Alpha microlight took off unaccompanied after the pilot struggled to start the engine. Each failed attempt saw the pilot advancing the throttle a bit more until, on the last try, the throttle was nearly at full power when the engine finally roared to life.
Alarmingly, the accelerating microlight rolled over the pilot’s leg before launching into the air. In a remarkable twist, the aircraft performed two complete loops before stalling and crashing to the ground in flames. I witnessed this event unfold at the airfield. By the time I reached the crash site, the aircraft had burned away to little more than charred debris. Thankfully, the pilot survived, albeit with relatively minor injuries.
Why Do These Unmanned Events Occur?
When the throttle is left near full power—either intentionally or accidentally—while hand-starting, there’s a risk that the aircraft may surge forward. If there is sufficient space in front, it could take off on its own before the pilot can react. No one is blaming the pilots involved; such incidents highlight how even minor oversights or mechanical issues can lead to astonishing outcomes.
The Role of Threat and Error Management (TEM)
A critical aspect of aviation safety is Threat and Error Management (TEM). While often associated with commercial aviation, these principles are equally essential for simpler aircraft like microlights. Organizations like the CAA (Civil Aviation Authority) and the BMAA (British Microlight Aircraft Association) have incorporated TEM into training programs for both PPL and NPPL (Microlight) licenses, emphasizing its significance in aviation.
At its core, TEM focuses on identifying potential threats, such as a flat battery leading to an awkward manual start, and managing those threats to prevent minor errors from escalating into serious incidents. During routine tasks like starting an engine, pilots can use TEM by double-checking throttle positions, following a clear start-up checklist, and planning for assistance if the engine refuses to start. Taking these extra precautions helps catch errors early before they develop into situations where aircraft fly unmanned.
A Sobering but Fascinating Tale
Both unmanned take-offs—the 2012 incident and the more recent occurrence—illustrate the unexpected nature of aviation. Few sights are stranger than a microlight flying solo, but these cases also highlight our shared responsibility to maintain vigilance and to adhere to established procedures.
Although such events are thankfully infrequent, they tend to capture public interest. They encourage us to reevaluate our safety measures, reinforce the importance of rigorous training (and awareness of TEM), and promote the sharing of lessons learned. Ultimately, these narratives reinforce a vital tenet of aviation: an aircraft should never be airborne without a pilot, regardless of a flat battery or a recalcitrant engine.
Disclaimer: The aim here is not to judge or lay blame on any individual. These incidents serve as reminders that oversights can lead to extraordinary outcomes. Aviation, particularly in the lighter end of the spectrum, is both thrilling and unforgiving if key procedures are neglected. By implementing Threat and Error Management at all levels—from pre-flight checks to engine start to taxiing—you can ensure that what occurs in the air is always under human control and never left to chance.
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