What happened
On 15 July 2021, a Cessna 120, registration G-AJJT, was conducting a private flight near Lower Withial Farm, Somerset. Following a standard pre-flight inspection where fuel and oil levels were verified, the pilot completed all start-up and taxi procedures without issue.
Shortly after departing the airfield, while the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 100 ft agl, the engine began to falter and misfire twice before ceasing operation entirely. Recognizing the emergency, the pilot maneuvered the aircraft to avoid nearby buildings and prepared for an immediate forced landing. The aircraft descended into a corn field, where it struck the ground heavily. The impact resulted in severe damage to the propeller, the landing gear, and the left wing. The pilot was able to exit the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the circumstances surrounding the engine failure and the subsequent landing. The investigation reviewed the pilot's pre-flight actions, noting that the fuel and oil levels had been checked during the walk-around. The pilot's post-flight analysis considered whether fuel starvation, potentially caused by a blockage or an empty tank, might have been the culprit. However, the right fuel tank, which was in use at the time, was observed to contain between one-quarter and one-half of its capacity following the accident.
Findings
- The engine stopped due to an unknown cause.
- The pilot's rapid decision to execute a forced landing and his focus on maintaining airspeed and avoiding obstacles prevented a more serious outcome.
- No attempt to restart the engine was made because of the aircraft's low altitude at the time of the failure.