What happened
On 10 October 2015, a Quik GT450, registration G-CDUH, was conducting a private flight from Easterton Airfield towards Invergordon. After departing near Elgin, the pilot initially maintained an altitude of 5,500 ft while crossing the Moray Firth. Due to low temperatures, the pilot performed two descents, dropping to 2,000 ft to cross the Cromarty Firth and eventually descending to approximately 20 ft to follow the coastline.
As the pilot attempted to increase power to begin a climb, the engine failed to respond. Facing a descent toward the sea and noting the rocky nature of the nearby shoreline, the pilot elected to ditch the aircraft in the water. Upon impact with the surface, the aircraft flipped inverted. Both the pilot and the passenger successfully unfastened their seatbelts and escaped the pod without injury.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the sequence of engine power loss following the aircraft's descent through varying altitudes and temperatures. The aircraft sustained damage beyond economic repair.
Findings
- The engine failed to provide necessary power during the transition from low-level flight to a climb.
- Carburettor icing is suspected as the primary cause of the engine failure, potentially triggered by the two previous descents into colder air.