What happened
On 6 May 2017, a Jodel D119, registration G-AXFN, was conducting a private flight near Netherthorpe Airfield in Yorkshire. Shortly after departing the airfield, the pilot was performing a crosswind turn when the single Continental Motors Corp C90-14F piston engine failed suddenly and without prior indication.
Following the loss of power, the pilot declared a MAYDAY. Due to the low altitude and the nature of the failure, the pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing in a nearby field of rapeseed. The impact resulted in extensive damage to the aircraft, which came to rest in an inverted position. Despite the severity of the impact, the pilot sustained no injuries and was able to egress the cockpit via the door.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators reviewed the circumstances surrounding the engine failure and the subsequent flight path. The pilot, who held a Private Pilot’s Licence and had 346 total flying hours, reported that the engine failure occurred without any preceding warning or symptoms.