What happened
On 24 August 2014, a Skyranger 912(2), registration G-CDIJ, was conducting a private flight from Battleflat Farm Airstrip in Leicestershire. During the initial climb, as the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 350 ft, the Rotax 912-UL engine experienced a substantial loss of power.
Because wind conditions were light and no immediate alternative landing site was available ahead of the flight path, the pilot elected to return to the departure airfield. The aircraft crossed the airfield threshold at a higher-than-normal airspeed due to the altitude maintained during the approach. Upon touchdown, the nose landing gear collapsed during the ground roll, causing the aircraft to tip onto its back. There were no injuries to the two occupants, who were able to exit the aircraft through the standard exits.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. Investigators examined the sequence of events following the engine malfunction and the subsequent landing dynamics. The inspection noted damage to the wings, the rear fuselage, the propeller, and the nosewheel.