What happened
On 1 August 2018, a Hapi Cygnett SF-2A, registration G-BRZD, was performing a private flight from Thame Airfield to Nayland Airfield. The aircraft had recently been returned to service after a long period of storage. During the final approach to Runway 32, the engine suddenly ceased operation as the pilot advanced the throttle.
At approximately 140 feet above the ground, the pilot attempted to restart the engine using the electric starter. Although the engine ran briefly, it failed again once the throttle was increased. Because the aircraft was positioned such that tall trees stood approximately 100 meters from the runway threshold, the pilot could not clear the obstacle or land on the runway's upward-sloping surface. To avoid the trees, the pilot executed a right turn of about 20 degrees, passing under power lines and targeting a low hedge to mitigate the impact. The aircraft struck the hedge, resulting in substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, tailplane, and landing gear. The pilot sustained a minor leg injury but was able to exit the cockpit independently.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the engine's sudden loss of power during the approach. The aircraft was equipped with a Volkswagen 2078 piston engine and a recently installed Lectron carburettor. The pilot noted that all engine temperature and pressure readings had been normal during the preceding flight leg. Following the accident, an examination of the engine was conducted, but the specific reason for the power loss could not be definitively established. The pilot suggested that a possible mis-adjustment of the carburettor might have caused the failure when the throttle was advanced.
Findings
- The engine failure occurred while the aircraft was on final approach with no suitable undershoot area available.
- The engine failure occurred as the throttle was advanced during the final approach.
- The pilot's decision to maneuver away from the tall trees likely prevented a more severe accident.