Engine failure leads to hard landing in X’Air Falcon 582

Casualties unknown • Old Park Farm Airfield, Port Talbot, GB

A private flight involving an X’Air Falcon 582 ended in a heavy landing at Old Park Farm Airfield after the engine lost all power during the climb.

What happened

On 13 September 2020, a private flight departed from Old Park Farm Airfield in Port Talbot. The aircraft, an X’Air Falcon 582, took off from the southerly runway using full power to achieve a short takeoff. During the climb, while passing 600 ft above ground level, the engine began to cough and subsequently suffered a total loss of power.

The pilot, having previously considered emergency procedures for this departure path, successfully turned the aircraft away from high-tension power lines and rough terrain. The pilot identified a field near the airstrip for an emergency landing. However, during the final stages of the approach, the aircraft turned left into a field containing crops. Due to a loss of lift—potentially caused by local wind effects from nearby trees—and a reduction in airspeed below the best glide speed, the aircraft landed heavily on a steep gradient. While the two crew members escaped without injury, the landing gear sustained extensive damage.

The investigation

Investigators examined the engine and fuel system following the accident. A preliminary inspection by a BMAA Inspector found the engine turned freely with apparent compression, and the engine-driven fuel pump was functional. Fuel was present in both the tank and the carburettor float bowls, though the fuel appeared yellowed.

Analysis focused on several potential causes for the power loss. The investigation considered the use of Mogas, which has a higher vapour pressure than Avgas and is more susceptible to vapour formation. The aircraft's fuel system design, where the pump is located above the tank level, creates a low-pressure area on the suction side that could allow vapour bubbles to enter the carburettor. Additionally, the investigation looked into carburettor icing, noting that the day's temperature and humidity levels were within a range where icing could occur, particularly when using Mogas.

Findings

  • The exact cause of the engine failure was not determined.
  • Fuel vapour locking or carburettor icing were identified as possible contributing factors.
  • The pilot's prior preparation for an engine failure allowed for a successful turn away from obstacles.
  • The reduction in airspeed during the final approach increased the rate of descent, contributing to the heavy landing.

Probable cause

The cause of the engine power loss could not be definitively established, though fuel vapour locking or carburettor icing were possible. The heavy landing was likely exacerbated by a loss of performance during the final stages of the approach.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2020-09-13 X'Air Falcon 582(2) accident near Old Park Farm Airfield, Port Talbot, GB?

A private flight involving an X’Air Falcon 582 ended in a heavy landing at Old Park Farm Airfield after the engine lost all power during the climb.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2020-09-13 involved a X'Air Falcon 582(2), registration G-CGOV , at Old Park Farm Airfield, Port Talbot, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The cause of the engine power loss could not be definitively established, though fuel vapour locking or carburettor icing were possible. The heavy landing was likely exacerbated by a loss of performance during the final stages of the approach.

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