What happened
On June 10, 2023, an experimental Oldfield Baby Lakes, registration OY-NIL, was conducting a private VFR flight from Roskilde (EKRK) to Herning (EKHG). During the flight, the pilot operated at 6,500 feet before descending to 1,500 feet near Samsø, at which point the carburetor heat was engaged and remained active for the duration of the flight.
While performing a right-hand approach to runway 09 at Herning, the pilot extended the downwind leg to accommodate other traffic. During the base turn, the pilot reduced power, at which point the engine stopped. Following the engine failure, the pilot attempted to restart the engine using the electric starter, but was unsuccessful. The pilot subsequently executed an emergency landing in a field containing crops approximately 20 cm in height.
During the touchdown, the aircraft struck the ground with more force than intended. This caused the landing gear to collapse, leading the aircraft to tip over onto its propeller and land on its back. The pilot successfully evacuated the aircraft and notified the Copenhagen control center.
The investigation
The investigation into the accident focused on the mechanical state of the aircraft and the circumstances of the engine failure. Technical examinations of OY-NIL confirmed that fuel was present in the tanks and that both electric fuel pumps—which are required for engine operation as the engine lacks a mechanical pump—were fully functional. Additionally, the mechanical linkages for the carburetor heat were found to be operational, and the engine started and ran normally during subsequent testing.
Findings
- The engine failure occurred during the base leg of the approach to Herning.
- The landing gear collapsed due to a hard impact with the ground.
- The specific cause of the engine failure could not be determined through the technical examination.