The UK Air Accidents Investigation Branch (AAIB) has revealed shocking details about a deadly microlight crash at Sheepbridge Industrial Estate, Chesterfield. A Sportstar SLM microlight flew straight into thick cloud and spiralled out of control, killing the 71-year-old pilot instantly.
The plane took off from Coal Aston Airstrip at 7.56am on 1 September 2024. Poor visibility and heavy cloud closed in fast. CCTV and GPS tracked several tight right turns south of the airfield before the aircraft headed toward Chesterfield. It made two more descending circles before plummeting at a staggering speed of over 11,200 feet per minute. The crash occurred at 08:04 UTC, instantly sparking a fatal fire.
Poor Weather Ignored – Pilot ‘Spatially Disorientated’
The AAIB confirmed visibility was just 400 to 600 metres at takeoff—well below safe limits for visual flight. Trees were barely visible through the murk. Near Chesterfield, the microlight’s speed rocketed to 178 knots before it nosedived with a terrifying descent rate of 5,250 feet per minute. A brief climb followed the dive, then the fatal plunge.
This dreadful accident sends a clear message to all microlight flyers: respect the weather, stick to your limits—and never fly blind.
