What happened
On 30 January 2019, a Grumman AA-5 Traveller, registration G-BEZH, was conducting a training flight from Nottingham City Airport. The weather conditions featured a temperature of 0°C and a dewpoint of -1° 1C, indicating high relative humidity. Before departure, the crew noted ground frost and performed checks on the apron and taxiway surfaces.
During the takeoff roll on Runway 21, the student pilot performed engine power checks, which included verifying the operation of the carburettor heat system. The aircraft successfully transitioned into the climb, but upon reaching approximately 150 ft aal, the engine emitted two popping noises before the RPM dropped to zero. The instructor took control of the aircraft, maneuvering it away from residential housing to perform an emergency landing in a field adjacent to the airfield.
As the aircraft moved across the soft ground during the landing roll, the nose and left main landing gear detached. The aircraft also sustained significant damage to both wings. There were no injuries to the two crew members on board.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the engine performance and the environmental conditions present at the time of the accident. The investigation focused on the engine's sudden loss of power despite the crew's proactive use of carburettor heat. The investigators also reviewed the aircraft's maintenance and the specific atmospheric conditions, such as the high humidity and near-freezing temperatures, which are conducive to ice formation.
Findings
- The engine failure occurred at a low altitude, leaving limited time for recovery.
- The crew had actively utilized carburettor heat during taxi and power checks.
- Carburettor icing was identified as a potential cause for the engine's sudden cessation of power, though other factors could not be entirely dismissed.