Summary
On 19 April 2014 at approximately 1605 UTC, a Europa aircraft registered G-TAGR made a forced landing in a ploughed field about 1 nm north of Branscombe Airfield, Devon, following an engine failure. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, nosewheel, and engine cowling. The two occupants were uninjured.
History of the Flight
The aircraft was on a private flight from Perranporth, Cornwall, to Bournemouth in fine weather. About 35 minutes into the flight, at 3,000 ft, the engine began to misfire. The pilot switched on the fuel pump, and after 10 minutes of normal running, switched it off. A few minutes later, the misfiring resumed, and the pilot again activated the fuel pump. This restored normal operation for a few more minutes, but then the engine continued to misfire even with the fuel pump on.
The pilot issued a MAYDAY call to Exeter ATC, who advised that the aircraft was about 3 nm east of Branscombe Airfield. The pilot turned towards the airfield with radar vectors from ATC. The airfield had a grass runway oriented 01/28, but the pilot did not see it until overhead. With an easterly wind, he approached from the west, but was too high and executed a go-around.
During the second approach, the engine produced inconsistent power. The aircraft was again high, touching down with about one-third of the runway remaining. The pilot believed he could not stop before a hedge and trees at the end, so he applied full power to go around. The engine responded normally initially but began misfiring as the aircraft climbed through about 200 ft. The pilot started a left turn back towards the airstrip, but then the engine stopped completely.
Seeing a ploughed field ahead, the pilot landed the aircraft in the field. Touchdown was on the main wheels, but after a ground roll of 30 to 40 ft, the nosewheel dug into the ground, and the aircraft came to a stop.
Aircraft Information
The aircraft was a Europa, registered G-TAGR, manufactured in 2004 (serial number PFA 247-13061). It was powered by a single Rotax 912 ULS piston engine.
Pilot Information
The commander, aged 71, held a Private Pilot's Licence with a total flying experience of 1,021 hours, of which 17 hours were on type. In the last 90 days, he had flown 23 hours, and in the last 28 days, 12 hours.
Damage
The forced landing resulted in damage to the propeller, nosewheel, and engine cowling.
Probable Cause
The pilot reported that a blocked fuel filter may have been the cause of the engine misfire and subsequent stoppage. The official investigation did not state a probable cause.