What happened
The incident occurred while the pilot was conducting a cable inspection mission at an altitude of 500 feet above mean sea level. During this phase of flight, the pilot executed an erratic maneuver to avoid a flock of birds. Immediately following this action, the engine began to lose power. The pilot attempted to initiate emergency procedures in an effort to restore engine power, but these efforts were unsuccessful.
As the aircraft continued its descent without adequate lift or thrust, it impacted the ground during a forced landing attempt. The terrain consisted of a soft, wet, and rough field. Upon impact, the nose gear failed structurally. This failure caused the aircraft to flip over, resulting in significant damage to the airframe.
The investigation
Following the accident, investigators conducted a thorough examination of the aircraft's engine to determine if mechanical issues contributed to the loss of power. The inspection revealed no evidence of pre-impact malfunctions or failures within the engine itself. This finding suggests that the power loss was likely related to the operational context or fuel supply rather than an internal mechanical defect.
Findings
The sequence of events indicates that the erratic maneuver performed to avoid birds may have disrupted normal engine operation or fuel flow, leading to the subsequent power loss. The inability to restore power necessitated a forced landing in difficult terrain conditions. The failure of the nose gear and the subsequent flipping of the aircraft were consequences of the impact forces generated during this uncontrolled descent.
Safety message
Pilots conducting low-altitude operations such as cable inspections must remain vigilant for wildlife hazards while maintaining precise control inputs. Erratic maneuvers at low altitudes can compromise engine performance or fuel delivery systems, leaving little margin for recovery.