What happened
On 26 August 2006, an ARV1 Super 2, registration G-BMWE, was conducting a private flight from Manchester Barton to Popham. While approximately 11 nautical miles from Tatenhill, the pilot observed the water temperature gauge rising sharply into the red zone. In response to the rising temperature, the pilot reduced engine power and notified Coventry Radar of a potential forced landing. Although radar suggested Birmingham as the nearest suitable airfield, the pilot chose to head toward Tatenhill to preserve more landing options.
As the aircraft approached Tatenhill, the engine began to backfire. To prevent the engine from seizing, the pilot shut down the engine approximately 7 nautical miles from the airfield. To reach a large, flat, newly harvested wheat field, the pilot executed a steep dive with the propeller stationary to maintain a 60-knot glide speed. The pilot selected full flaps to prevent overshooting the field, which necessitated the steep descent. During the flare, the aircraft failed to lift as expected, resulting in a heavy impact on the nose wheel. The nose wheel subsequently collapsed, causing the aircraft to overturn onto its back.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the pilot's report to determine the cause of the engine failure and the subsequent impact. The investigation confirmed that the pilot was able to exit the aircraft through the shattered canopy following the accident. The pilot sustained minor injuries, consisting of superficial cuts and bruising, and was treated at a hospital via air ambulance.
Findings
- The primary cause of the engine overheating was the failure of the water pump drive belt.
- The pilot's decision to perform a steep dive with full flaps contributed to the heavy landing on the nose wheel.
- The collapse of the nose wheel led to the aircraft overturning, causing significant damage to the wings, fuselage, cockpit, fin, and rudder.