AN aircraft was damaged during a flight test in Hampshire because the pilot ran out of time to carry out landing checks, an investigation has found.

The prototype motorglider landed at Chibolton Airfield near Winchester with the landing gear retracted and the airbrakes extended.

As a result the aircraft’s propeller blade tip and wheelbay were damaged in the accident in October 2011.

The Air Accidents Investigation Branch found that the pilot had unintentionally landed the plane in this way, after his approach to the airfield was made more complex by strengthening winds.

The Light Aviation Authority has said it would review the need for a gear position warning system in the aircraft as a result of the accident.

No one was injured in the incident.