What happened
On 29 June 2015, a Skyranger 912(2), registration G-JBUL, was conducting a private flight from Old Park Farm Airfield. Following a routine taxi and takeoff from Runway 18, the aircraft's Rotax 912-UL engine ceased operation while the aircraft was at an altitude of roughly 1,000 feet above ground level.
Upon the loss of power, the pilot lowered the aircraft's nose and configured the plane for its best glide speed. Realising that the remaining altitude was insufficient to reach the airfield, the pilot opted to perform an emergency landing in a nearby field. During the approach, the pilot successfully navigated clear of high-voltage powerlines. To assist with the landing, a sideslip maneuver was performed; however, the aircraft struck the ground with significant force.
The impact caused extensive damage to the fuselage, wings, propeller, windscreen, and landing gear. The force of the landing caused the cockpit door to open, allowing the pilot to exit the aircraft without injury.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the circumstances of the engine failure and the subsequent impact. Following the incident, the engine was subjected to a ground run, which revealed no mechanical anomalies or malfunctions. Investigators were unable to identify a specific reason why the engine had stopped during the flight.