What happened
On 28 August 2017, a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, registration G-BCJM, was conducting a training flight departing from Liverpool Airport. During the initial 15 minutes of the flight, the crew had completed two practice engine failure maneuvers. While climbing at approximately 2,300 ft with the engine set to maximum RPM, the engine power unexpectedly dropped.
Upon the loss of power, the instructor assumed control of the aircraft and established a glide attitude. The crew attempted several standard procedures, including switching to the alternative fuel tank, ensuring the fuel pump was active, and applying full carburettor heat. Despite these efforts, the engine RPM failed to recover. The crew selected a suitable landing field, issued a distress call, and secured the engine. The propeller continued to windmill throughout the descent until the aircraft reached the ground.
During the landing sequence, the instructor briefly lifted the aircraft to clear a low fence ahead of the landing site. During the subsequent ground roll, the aircraft struck a sheep, which caused damage to the left flap and the left stabilator tip fairing. The aircraft came to a halt near a second fence, after which the crew shut off the fuel and electrics before exiting.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the engine and the aircraft's systems following the event. During the inspection, an examining engineer discovered unidentified debris within the carburettor, though it was not definitively determined if this material was the primary cause of the power loss. The aircraft sustained damage to the left flap and the tip fairing of the left stabilator.