Accident Overview
On 15 April 2015 at 1010 UTC, a Bristell NG5 Speed Wing, registration G-GARD, was engaged in its first flight. The aircraft was powered by a single Jabiru 3300 piston engine and had been manufactured in 2014. The sole occupant, the pilot, held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had 800 hours total flying experience, including 150 hours on type. The flight originated from Redhill Aerodrome, Surrey.
Pre-Flight and Takeoff
The pilot conducted engine ground runs and fast taxi runs, during which he selected each fuel tank and checked engine operation with and without carburetor heat applied. Before takeoff, he selected carburetor heat on and activated the electric fuel pump. The takeoff and climb were uneventful; at 1,000 ft, the pilot switched off the fuel boost pump.
Engine Failure and Forced Landing
While reporting downwind for a low approach and go-around, the engine stopped suddenly. The pilot immediately selected the other fuel tank and turned the electric fuel pump on, but attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. Unable to reach the airfield, he elected to land in a small field. The landing was hard, and the aircraft came to a stop before trees at the field’s end. The pilot exited without injury.
Post-Accident Examination
The aircraft sustained damage beyond economic repair. An engineer experienced with the engine type inspected the powerplant. The engine was removed and subsequently ran satisfactorily on a test rig after new coils were fitted. The investigation could not determine conclusively why the engine had stopped; however, fuel starvation or double coil failure were considered possible causes.
Investigation Findings
The AAIB report noted that while the engine operated normally after coil replacement, the exact reason for the in-flight stoppage remained unconfirmed. No definitive cause was established.