What happened
On 1 July 2022, a Cassutt Racer IIIM, registration G-BPVO, was conducting a private flight near Henstrleidge Airfield, Somerset. Following a standard takeoff and an initial climb to an altitude of roughly 200 ft agl, the single Continental Motors Corp O-200-A engine suffered a complete loss of power, causing the propeller to begin windmilling.
The pilot immediately lowered the aircraft's nose to preserve the best glide speed and issued a MAYDAY call. Despite rapid attempts to identify the source of the engine failure, no cause could be determined during the descent. Because the previously designated emergency landing field was beyond the aircraft's gliding range, the pilot executed a sideslip maneuver to reach a small, uneven pasture. The aircraft made a firm touchdown and slid for a short distance before coming to a stop. While the aircraft sustained substantial damage, the pilot escaped the wreckage without injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and consulted with a local aircraft engineer. The technical examination suggested that the loss of power may have been caused by a disconnected throttle cable, though the specific reason why the cable became disconnected was not determined.
Findings
- The engine failure occurred shortly after the aircraft reached 200 ft agl.
- The pilot's adherence to pre-flight emergency drills for engine failure after takeoff facilitated an appropriate response.
- Maintaining control of the aircraft until touchdown was critical to the outcome.
- The use of properly fastened safety harnesses and a protective leather helmet contributed to the pilot remaining uninjured during the impact.