What happened
On 30 May 2016, a Rans S6-ESD (Modified) Coyote II, registration G-MYES, was conducting a private flight from its base near Market Drayton to Shifnal Airfield. While performing manoeuvres in the airfield circuit, the aircraft was observed to stall and potentially enter a spin. The aircraft failed to recover before striking a field to the south-east of the airfield in a steep, nose-down attitude. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained fatal injuries.
During the approach, the aircraft was noted to be flying lower and closer to the airfield than usual. Witnesses observed the aircraft turning towards the final approach for Runway 28, but the aircraft then turned onto an easterly heading. During this turn, the aircraft experienced a wing-drop stall and subsequently entered a spin. At the time of impact, the engine was found to be operating at low or no power.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation examined the wreckage, engine components, and flight records. The investigation found that the aircraft's throttle was closed at the moment of impact. While no definitive mechanical failure was identified, investigators could not rule out a loss of engine power due to carburettor icing or other undetermined causes. The engine had previously experienced power loss events, and some cylinders showed poor compression.
Records indicated that the pilot had relatively limited experience on this specific type, having flown G-MYES for approximately 7 hours and 45 minutes. During previous flights with the previous owner, the owner had taken control on two occasions due to concerns regarding the aircraft's airspeed. Additionally, there was no evidence that the pilot had obtained the required prior permission (PPR) for Shifnal Airfield; had he done so, he would have been informed that Runway 36 was the active runway, rather than the Runway 28 indicated by the signal square.
Findings
- The aircraft was manoeuvring at low speed in the circuit and experienced a stall and possible spin.
- The engine was operating at low or no power at impact, with the possibility of carburettor icing or other power loss contributing to the accident.
- The pilot was flying a flight path that placed the aircraft closer to the airfield than normal, potentially due to following a railway line feature.
- The pilot had not contacted the airfield for prior permission, meaning he was unaware that Runway 36 was in use.
Safety action
Following the investigation of this and several other Rans S6 accidents, the Light Aircraft Association (LAA) has initiated a comprehensive safety review. This includes an analysis of accident data and a flight test program to investigate handling, stability, and stall characteristics. The LAA also intends to produce specific pilot's notes tailored to the various engine and configuration combinations found in the UK Rans S6 fleet.