What happened
On June 26, 2019, a Socata TB 10 Tobago, registration G-SBKR, departed from runway 14 at the Szymanów airfield (EPWS) for a flight in VFR conditions. While performing a left-hand traffic pattern at an altitude of approximately 800 ft, the pilot noticed an intense smell of smoke within the cockpit. Approximately eight seconds later, the engine failed.
Determining that a return to the airfield was not possible, the pilot performed an emergency landing in a nearby field, approximately 500 meters from the northeastern boundary of the airport. The pilot sustained no injuries during the incident.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the mechanical failure and the subsequent fire in the engine compartment. Investigators examined the engine, the exhaust system, and the electrical components. Post-flight inspections of the aircraft revealed that the engine compartment had suffered fire damage, specifically affecting flexible air hoses and various electrical wires.
Technical examinations of the engine components showed that the exhaust pipe from cylinder number 4 had disconnected from the muffler. Furthermore, investigators found that the nut on the clamp securing the pipe to the muffler had become significantly loosened. The investigation also identified damage to the electrical supply for the fuel pump and the ignition system, as well as fire traces within the air intake and carburetor throat.