What happened
On 28 August 2017, a Colibri MB2, registration G-HRLM, was conducting a test flight near Abbots Bromley Airfield in Staffordshire. The purpose of the flight was to renew the aircraft's Permit To Fly after it had been grounded for maintenance for roughly five years. The pilot, an experienced commander, began the flight with successful engine warm-up and functional checks, including testing the magnetos and carburettor heat control.
During the initial climb, at an altitude of about 150 ft, the engine began running erratically before losing power completely. Faced with a reservoir located just beyond the airfield boundary, the pilot attempted to maneuver the aircraft into a field of standing maize. The aircraft struck the crop while in a left-banked attitude and subsequently hit the ground. The impact resulted in serious injuries to the pilot, who was transported to the hospital via Air Ambulance. The aircraft was destroyed in the accident.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators reviewed video footage of the event, which confirmed the moment the engine power was lost. However, the investigation was unable to determine the specific reason for the engine failure.