Incident Overview
On 28 August 2017 at 1030 hours UTC, a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, registration G-BCJM, was involved in an accident near Parbold, Lancashire. The aircraft was on a training flight with two crew members on board; no passengers were carried. Both crew members were uninjured. The aircraft sustained damage to the left flap and the left stabilator tip fairing.
Flight Details
G-BCJM departed Liverpool Airport for a training flight. During the first 15 minutes, two practice engine failures were completed. Subsequently, at approximately 2,300 ft while climbing with maximum engine rpm set, the engine power suddenly reduced. The instructor took control and adopted a glide attitude.
Engine Failure and Landing
The instructor selected the other fuel tank, ensured the fuel pump was on and the mixture rich, and set the carburettor heat to hot, but the engine rpm did not recover. A suitable field was selected, a distress call was made, and the engine was secured. The propeller continued to windmill until the aircraft was flared for landing.
Post-Landing Events
After touchdown, the instructor spotted a low fence ahead and briefly lifted the aircraft off the ground, “hopping” over the fence. During the subsequent ground roll, several sheep ran in front of the aircraft. One sheep was struck, causing the damage to the left flap and stabilator tip fairing. The aircraft was stopped close to a second fence. The electrics and fuel were then turned off, and the crew exited through the door.
Examination
Some unidentified debris was later found in the carburettor, but the examining engineer was unsure if this debris was sufficient to have caused the engine failure.