What happened
On 23 July 2016, a Bede BD-4, registration G-BKZV, was performing a private flight when an incident occurred during an approach to Runway 09 at Nottingham Airport. After the aircraft floated along the runway, the pilot initiated a go-around procedure. While climbing through an altitude of approximately 200 ft agl, the engine failed, briefly restarted, and then failed a second time. Although power was momentarily restored, the pilot determined that a landing in a field located roughly 1.5 to 2 nm northeast of the runway was necessary.
The subsequent approach to the field was completed without further incident. However, as the aircraft decelerated following touchdown, the nose landing gear leg collapsed. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, engine mounts, cowlings, and the nosewheel. There were no injuries to the two occupants, who exited the aircraft via the standard exits.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation focused on the sequence of engine power fluctuations and the subsequent structural failure of the landing gear. The investigation examined the aircraft's engine, a Lycoming O-320-D2B piston engine, and the circumstances surrounding the engine's intermittent operation during the climb. The investigation also reviewed the mechanical state of the nosewheel assembly following the collapse.