HIGH WINDS around a mountain top which resulted in severe turbulence caused the deaths of two men in a microlight accident last year, an investigation has shown.
Alan McCaskie (62), from Broughty Ferry, who owned the aircraft, and pilot David Martin (63), from Kinghorn, were killed in the accident on Ben More in Stirlingshire on May 12.
The tragic accident happened in otherwise perfect flying conditions as a group of friends in four microlights were on a flight from Perth to the Isle of Mull.
Photographs showing the doomed aircraft moments before it crashed into the mountain have been released by the Air Accident Investigation Branch (AAIB), whose report on their investigation was published on Thursday.
The pictures were taken from a video camera attached to the Pegasus Quik microlight which ran into severe turbulence and crashed about 100ft below the summit of the 3,850ft-high Ben More.
Six images from the video and showing the snow-capped mountain looming larger and larger featured in the report.
The AAIB said: “The severity of the turbulence created by the wind, close to the summit of Ben More, was such that it exceeded the safe conditions for flight in the microlight.
“This resulted in a loss of control which led to the impact close to the summit of the mountain.”
The report said the video showed the flight path had been stable up to a point about 300 metres from the summit.
It went on: “At this point the aircraft started to roll rapidly from left to right and pitched nose-down.”
The AAIB added the increase in engine power “suggests the pilot was trying to arrest his rate of descent and climb out of the turbulence.
“It is likely that, in this case, a lack of awareness of the wind conditions and of the likelihood and severity of turbulence downwind of high ground were factors in this accident.”
The report recommends the CAA produce guidance covering mountain flying for the aviation community.
Father-of-two Mr Martin had been flying for 12 years and was a member of the Scottish Aero Club in Perthshire.
Mr McCaskie was married to Lorna and had son Scott and stepson Ross.
His family said: “We are still struggling to come to terms with our loss. However, we are pleased the AAIB have completed their report into the accident and thank them.
“We sincerely hope all of those involved in flying microlights will pay close attention to the recommendations to ensure no other family has to cope with the loss of a loved one in these circumstances.”
awilson@thecourier.co.uk