What happened
On 24 March 2020, a Jabiru J430, registration G-KIDD, was conducting a short maintenance and recency check flight from High Cross Airfield in Hertfordshire. After taking off from the grass runway, the aircraft climbed to approximately 2,000 feet for general handling. During an orbit, the engine began running roughly. The pilot attempted to rectify the issue by reducing power, checking engine indications, and applying carburettor heat, but the engine subsequently failed and would not restart.
Recognising the necessity of a forced landing, the pilot maintained best glide speed and directed the aircraft toward the airfield from the south-west. Due to insufficient altitude to complete a standard approach to Runway 23, the pilot opted to land on Runway 05, despite facing a tailwind. As the aircraft approached the end of the runway, it floated at an altitude of roughly 8 to 10 feet. In an attempt to stop the aircraft, the pilot pitched the nose down, which caused the nose landing gear to collapse.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation focused on the cause of the engine failure and the subsequent landing sequence. Following the accident, the fuel was drained from the aircraft, revealing a significant quantity of discoloured water. Additionally, investigators found that the carburettor float was also filled with water. The pilot indicated that the contaminated fuel had likely been uplifted six weeks prior to the flight. The investigation also noted that a fuel drain check for water had not been performed before departure.