Synopsis
Approximately two hours into a flight from Kerry Airport (EIKY) to Aughrim Airstrip, County Down, a Jodel DR1050-M, registration G-BIOI, experienced a loss of engine power. The aircraft, carrying three persons, was being flown from the left seat. After the power loss, a more experienced pilot in the right seat took control and selected an agricultural field for a forced landing. During the final approach, the aircraft stalled, struck the ground, bounced, and came to rest inverted. All three occupants exited without assistance. The right-seat pilot sustained fractured vertebrae and neck injuries; the other two had minor cuts and bruises. No fire occurred.
History of the Flight
The three occupants had departed Aughrim Airstrip for Kerry Airport earlier that day. After a visit, they departed Kerry at approximately 14:31 hrs for the return leg. The left-seat pilot planned to fly during cruise; the right-seat pilot intended to perform takeoff and landing. The aircraft was not refueled at Kerry. A stop at Navan Airfield for fuel was considered but abandoned due to weather. Approximately 15 minutes after passing abeam Navan, the engine lost power abruptly, briefly regained, then lost power again. The right-seat pilot took control, turned on the fuel booster pump, and the left-seat pilot moved the fuel selector from front to rear tank, but engine power could not be restored.
During the descent, the right-seat pilot deployed the air brake to lose height. On final approach, the left-seat pilot warned of overhead electrical lines; maneuvering to clear them caused a loss of airspeed. The right-seat pilot reported that the aircraft likely stalled near the ground. The main wheels struck hard, the aircraft bounced twice; on the second bounce, the right main wheel and axle separated from the strut. The strut dug into soft ground, causing the aircraft to tip forward and come to rest inverted.
Injuries
The right-seat pilot sustained fractured vertebrae and whiplash injuries to the neck, requiring several days of hospitalization. The left-seat pilot and the passenger sustained minor cuts and bruises.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The aircraft was a 1964 Jodel DR1050-M, serial number 477, with one Continental O-200-A engine. The right-seat pilot held a UK CAA Private Pilot Licence, aged 87, with 4,760 total flight hours, 2,200 on type. He reported refueling the aircraft the evening before the accident using a hand-cranked pump and mogas, filling the rear tank until overflow, and visually assessing the front tank level. He acknowledged that the front tank might not have been completely full. No fuel records were kept. The rear tank fuel gauge was inoperative and disconnected; the front tank had a float indicator of limited accuracy. The right-seat pilot stated that during cruises he typically used the rear tank until the engine speed dropped, then switched to the front tank with the auxiliary pump.
Investigation
The Marine Rescue Co-ordination Centre notified the AAIU, which dispatched two inspectors. The investigation included interviews with the pilots and examination of the wreckage.