What happened
On 13 May 2015, a Cessna U206G Stationair, registration G-CCSN, was performing aerial work when the engine ceased operation during the late downwind phase of its approach to Strathallan Airfield, Perthshire. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot the issue by checking the fuel selector, magneto switches, and other engine controls, but found no apparent faults.
As the aircraft transitioned into a glide approach, the pilot retracted the flaps and turned toward the runway heading. However, the aircraft could not maintain enough altitude to reach the airfield. The aircraft subsequently performed a heavy landing in a field located before the runway. The impact caused the nose landing gear to detach and resulted in a break in the rear fuselage. While the pilot was uninjured, one passenger sustained a minor injury.
The investigation
Following the accident, the aircraft operator, who witnessed the event, attended the site immediately. To investigate the possibility of fuel starvation, the operator checked the fuel tanks by removing the caps and inspecting the contents manually. This inspection suggested that both tanks were between half and three-quarters full. Further testing of fuel samples revealed no obvious contamination or anomalies.
Additionally, the presence of fuel within the injection system was verified. In an attempt to assess the engine's condition, the operator restarted the engine after the propeller blades had been cropped and the battery reconnected. The engine reportedly ran smoothly during this test, despite the missing propeller blades.