AAIB identifies structural and assembly failings after Powys drone wing loss

An unmanned aircraft lost its right wing during a demonstration at Radnor Range in Powys after its structure proved unable to carry the loads encountered in level flight, according to the Air Accidents Investigation Branch.

The Cagatay CGT-50 descended rapidly out of control and struck the ground close to people standing beneath its flight path on 5 October 2023. The AAIB published its report on 16 April 2026.

Investigators found the wing assembly did not have enough structural strength for the bending loads produced in straight and level flight. Wing joiners attaching the wings to the fuselage were shorter than the design specification, while the design allowed their position to move and there was no assembly procedure to ensure they were installed symmetrically.

The AAIB said it was likely that old-stock joiners from an earlier development model had inadvertently been fitted at the production facility.

The aircraft was operating in the specific category under a Civil Aviation Authority operational authorisation. The report said it had not been designed, built or tested to a recognised standard and was not required to be for that category of operation.

The manufacturer introduced changes covering drawing tolerances, component checks, joiner serial numbers, design and production controls and assembly procedures. Radnor Range also reviewed its safety plan and indicated that it intended to improve operational communication and hazard management.