Ultralight Aircraft Takes Off Unmanned and Heads Out to Sea

An unpiloted light aircraft was observed heading out to sea after becoming airborne. The Pegasus Quantum 15 ultralight aircraft departed a Northumberland airfield while its pilot was attempting to address a flat battery issue. The pilot initiated the engine start manually from outside the aircraft, a procedure that proved unexpectedly effective. The Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB), in its report on the event, stated that the aircraft “accelerated away from the pilot and took off”. The AAIB further noted, “It was subsequently tracked by radar as it flew over the coast north of Newcastle and flew out to sea.” The agency added, “It was presumed to have subsequently crashed into the sea.” The aircraft, bearing the registration G-MYZL, commenced its unintended flight from Athey’s Moor Airfield, situated near Longframlington, on 3 October. This airfield is located approximately 8 miles (13km) inland from the coast. The Pegasus Quantum is characterized as a recreational aircraft, featuring three wheels, an open cockpit designed for two occupants, a wing resembling that of a hang glider, and a propeller positioned at the rear. For updates, follow BBC North East on X, Facebook, Nextdoor, and Instagram. Story ideas can be submitted to northeastandcumbria@bbc.co.uk. Copyright 2024 BBC. All rights reserved. Please note that the BBC bears no responsibility for the content found on external websites. Information regarding our external linking policy is available for review.