What happened
On 23 March 2017, a Rans S6-ES Coyote II, registration G-BZKO, was conducting a training flight in the vicinity of Newtonards Airport, Co. Down. After performing standard pre-takeoff procedures, the student pilot executed a routine takeoff from Runway 03. The aircraft climbed to a circuit altitude of approximately 700ft before turning onto the crosswind leg.
During the circuit, the instructor noticed a decline in engine oil pressure, though no other engine parameters appeared abnormal. Following instructions to return to the airfield and declare a PAN-PAN, the instructor assumed control of the aircraft. While flying over Strangford Lough, the engine ceased functioning. Due to the aircraft's altitude and position, a return to the runway was not feasible. The instructor managed to guide the aircraft to a patch of scrub and soft ground near the airfield, where a forced landing was performed. During the touchdown, the landing gear caught in the soft terrain, causing the nose and left main gear to collapse and resulting in damage to the engine and propeller.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the engine's loss of power and the subsequent impact. The investigation focused on the mechanical state of the Rotax 912-UL engine and the sequence of events leading to the loss of oil pressure. The analysis confirmed that the engine failure was a direct result of a significant leak within the engine's lubrication system.