What happened
On 15 August 2016, a Taylor Monoplane, registration G-BEYW, was performing a scheduled test flight at Manchester Barton Airport. The flight was being conducted to renew the aircraft's Certificate of Validity following recent maintenance work.
During the takeoff roll on Runway 08R, witnesses observed the engine losing power at an altitude of approximately 100 ft. In response to the loss of thrust, the pilot attempted an emergency landing in a field located outside the airport perimeter. During this maneuver, the aircraft turned left to avoid a populated area but ultimately collided with trees in a wooded area. The impact caused the aircraft to be destroyed and left the pilot trapped in the wreckage until firefighters arrived. The pilot sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation focused on the engine and fuel systems to identify the cause of the power loss. Prior to the flight, the pilot had performed maintenance on the engine, which included resealing pushrod tubes. While airfield personnel were aware of recent engine performance issues, the pilot had not reported these concerns to his LAA Inspector.
Post-accident examination of the engine and firewall revealed that both had detached from the airframe. The wooden propeller blades had broken at the hub, suggesting the engine was still producing some power at the moment of impact. An inspection of the engine components, including the spark plugs, ignition timing, and magnetos, showed no mechanical defects. The carburettor was found to be clean and free of blockages, though it contained no fuel at the time of testing. The LAA Inspector also noted that the locking wire on the carburettor fuel inlet appeared to have been altered from its previous state.
Findings
- The engine and fuel system showed no definitive mechanical failures that could explain the loss of power.
- The reason for the loss of engine power was not established.
- The pilot had not informed his LAA Inspector of recent engine performance irregularities.
- Potential causes such as carburettor icing or fuel vaporisation, common when using MoGAS, could not be excluded.