Accident Details
On 17 April 2017 at 16:20 UTC, a Piper PA-28-151 Cherokee Warrior, registration G-LUSH, was involved in an accident near Blackbushe Airport, Surrey. The aircraft was manufactured in 1975 (serial no. 28-7515201) and powered by a single Lycoming O-320-E3D piston engine. The flight was private, with only the pilot on board.
Flight History
The pilot, aged 30 and holding a Private Pilot’s Licence with 190 total flying hours (115 on type), had completed a 40-minute local flight and returned to Blackbushe intending to perform two circuits. On approach, carburettor heat was used. After a touch-and-go with carburettor heat selected off, the pilot turned crosswind at 500 ft agl. During this turn, engine power "suddenly and significantly reduced."
Forced Landing
With limited time and altitude to assess the cause, the pilot elected to land in the nearest suitable field, which was in an area of woodland. The aircraft contacted trees during landing, resulting in significant damage: both wings detached, and damage to the fuselage and propeller. The pilot, wearing a lap and diagonal harness, escaped uninjured.
Investigation
A subsequent examination of the aircraft by a maintenance organisation identified no causal defects. The weather at the time was reported as broken cloud at 3,600 ft, temperature 11°C, and dew point 4°C. According to CAA Safety Sense Leaflet 14, these conditions were conducive to 'serious icing – any power' for carburettor icing.
Conclusion
The accident involved a sudden power reduction during crosswind turn, leading to a forced landing in woodland. The pilot was not injured. No mechanical defects were found, and the weather conditions were favorable for carburettor icing.