What happened
On 21 May 2020, a Titan T-51 Mustang, registration G-TSIM, was conducting a check flight for a permit renewal at Shobdon Airfield. While the pilot was turning onto the base leg for a high-speed VNE run, the Suzuki V6 Mini Merlin engine suffered a sudden loss of power and began to wind down.
Initially, the pilot attempted to reach the airfield, issuing a MAYDAY call and extending the landing gear. After attempting to switch to the redundant engine ignition/injection computer without success, the pilot determined the aircraft could not reach the runway. He quickly transitioned to an off-field landing plan, retracting the gear and applying full flaps. The pilot identified a suitable field at an altitude of approximately 250-300 feet and maneuvered the aircraft for touchdown. Upon contact with the ground, the aircraft skated across the terrain before yawing left and sliding sideways, resulting in extensive damage to the underside of the aircraft.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sudden loss of engine power and the mechanical state of the propulsion system. Because the propeller continued to windmill until touchdown, the pilot did not initially suspect a mechanical failure. Post-accident inspections of the engine revealed that oil and coolant levels were normal, both fuel pumps were operational, and the fuel filters were clean and free of debris.
While the aircraft is equipped with a dual ignition/injection system designed for redundancy via a relay unit, switching to the alternate unit failed to restore power. The investigation could not definitively pinpoint the specific electrical or mechanical failure responsible for the power loss.