What happened
On 10 May 2018, a Quik GT450, registration G-CFEX, was conducting a private training flight near Leominster, Herefordshire. Approximately 30 minutes after departure, while the aircraft was maintaining an altitude of roughly 1,500 ft agl, the Rotax 912ULS engine ceased producing power.
Upon the loss of power, the instructor assumed control of the aircraft to manage the descent. During the approach toward a field ahead, several attempts were made to restart the engine, but these were unsuccessful. As the aircraft descended to approximately 200 ft agl, the instructor maneuvered to avoid trees and a tall hedge located at the field boundary. During this phase, the airspeed dropped to 40 mph.
In an effort to reach a more suitable landing site, the instructor turned the aircraft to the left, crossing over power lines. The aircraft landed deep into the field and subsequently struck a fallen tree at approximately 20 mph. While the aircraft sustained damage to the keel tube, wing fabric, front forks, and fibreglass pod, there were no injuries to the two crew members on board.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of the engine failure and the subsequent landing maneuvers. The crew members were both wearing helmets and lap straps at the time of the impact. The investigation confirmed the aircraft's damage included a bent keel tube, a fractured fibreglass pod, and a broken screen.