What happened
On 13 June 2023, a Jabiru aircraft, registration G-HITM, was involved in an accident during a private flight departing from a private grass airstrip in Welshpool. The airfield surface was reported as dry and firm at the time of departure. Weather conditions were generally good, with visibility being excellent and light winds from the north-east.
During the initial climb, approximately 50 feet above the ground, the engine suffered a loss of power. This failure caused the aircraft to strike the ground, eventually coming to rest on a farm driveway. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained serious injuries during the impact. Both occupants were secured in full harnesses at the time of the accident.
The investigation
The investigation examined the circumstances surrounding the engine failure and the airworthiness status of the aircraft. While the pilot confirmed that all pre-flight external and power checks had been completed successfully, the specific reason for the sudden loss of engine power could not be established. Additionally, the investigation identified that the aircraft's Permit To Fly had expired in May 2022 and was not valid when the accident occurred.