What happened
On a day characterized by calm winds and excellent visibility, a Cessna 195, registration N1581D, departed Dunkeswell Airfield bound for Branscombe Airfield in Devon. Shortly after the takeoff, the engine experienced an initial reduction in power, followed by a brief period of recovery, before ultimately suffering a total loss of engine power. Due to the aircraft's position at the time of the failure, returning to the departure airfield was not a viable option.
In an attempt to manage the emergency, the pilot steered the aircraft toward lower terrain to the west. During the descent, the pilot performed several troubleshooting steps, including checking the throttle, mixture, and fuel pumps, as well as cycling the fuel tank selector and magnetos. Despite these efforts, the engine failed to restart.
The pilot targeted a large field for an emergency landing. The aircraft initially touched down on soft ground before transitioning along a gentle slope. While the aircraft appeared to be leveling out as it moved toward firmer ground, the wheels became heavily embedded in the surface. This caused the aircraft to nose over onto its back. The pilot escaped the wreckage through the standard door without injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the engine's performance and the pilot's emergency procedures. The investigation focused on the sequence of the power loss and the mechanical state of the fuel and ignition systems. The examination of the engine and its components failed to reveal a specific reason for the power loss.