Microlight crash pilot did not have permit to fly in Ireland

The pilot of a microlight that suffered substantial damage after hitting an electric fence in West Cork on Apr 6 last did not have a permit to fly in Ireland.

The 51-year-old male, who hit the fence while landing at Enniskeane Airfield, 17km west of Bandon, had a permit to fly in Britain but did not have permission from the Irish Aviation Authority.

A report compiled by air accident investigators said while landing on the runway, the microlight’s main wheel “caught in an electrified wire fence leading to a heavy landing on the runway and damage to the aircraft”.