History of the Flight
The aircraft, an Ikarus C42 FB100 Bravo (registration G-IRED), was being flown from Clench Common Airfield near Marlborough back to its home base at Deanland Airfield after engine maintenance. The pilot conducted a five-minute engine run and completed pre-takeoff checks, during which everything was normal. Approximately 16 minutes after takeoff, the engine oil pressure gauge dropped to zero. The pilot informed ATC of an intention to divert to Popham Airfield. After a further 30 to 45 seconds, the engine abruptly stopped, and the pilot performed a forced landing in a wheat field about 3 miles west of Popham Airfield, Hampshire.
Damage and Injuries
During the forced landing, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest inverted. The nose landing gear was bent rearwards and the vertical stabiliser was damaged. The pilot, the sole occupant, evacuated the upturned aircraft uninjured. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence, was 50 years old, and had 74 hours of flying experience (64 hours on type), with 21 hours in the last 90 days and 5 hours in the last 28 days.
Conclusion
An initial examination of the engine revealed a complete loss of engine oil during the short flight. A film of engine oil covered the underside of the fuselage. The pilot was later informed that there was an unspecified problem with one of the engine pushrod tube seals, which resulted in the oil loss.