What happened
On 12 May 2019, a Cirrus SR22T, registration 2-RORO, departed Abergavenny Airfield for a private flight to Manchester. Shortly after liftoff, the engine began producing inconsistent power, a phenomenon described by the pilot and witnesses as "surging." Unable to maintain a sufficient climb, the aircraft struck trees and power cables, which forced the nose down toward the A40 dual carriageway.
The aircraft struck the road heavily and came to rest inverted against the central reservation. A fire quickly broke out, consuming much of the airframe. The three occupants—the pilot and two passengers—were trapped inside because the inverted position jammed the doors. A passing motorist assisted in breaking a window, allowing all three occupants to escape with only minor injuries before the fire intensified.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the wreckage and the engine components. While the engine showed evidence of long-term issues, such as improper magneto timing and spark plug wear, these were not considered the cause of the immediate power loss. The investigation also noted that the aircraft's recoverable data module could not be located, likely due to the intense fire or loss during wreckage recovery.
Investigators focused on the fuel system, specifically looking for evidence of over-fuelling. Although the aircraft featured a software update designed to prevent the electric fuel pump from delivering excessive fuel at low altitudes, the physical evidence of black soot on the intake valves and cylinders suggested the engine was running with an excessively rich mixture during the accident.
Findings
- The engine experienced a loss of power due to over-fuelling, creating a mixture too rich for stable operation.
- The specific cause of the over-fuelling could not be identified because the electric fuel pump, the lockout relay, and the data recorder were destroyed or lost.
- The aircraft's inverted position and the resulting disorientation made it difficult for the crew to locate emergency egress tools.
- Long-term engine issues, including incorrect magneto timing and spark plug erosion, were present but did not cause the takeoff failure.