What happened
Shortly after becoming airborne from Camden Airport, the pilot of the aircraft experienced a loss of engine power. Upon realizing that the remaining engine power was insufficient to return to the runway, the pilot executed a forced landing. The pilot successfully maintained control of the aircraft throughout the duration of the emergency.
The investigation
Investigators examined the engine and fuel following the incident, but these post-accident tests failed to identify a specific cause for the reduction in power. The investigation also assessed the possibility of induction icing. Meteorological data from the Camden Airport automatic weather station indicated temperatures between 22.0°C and 23.0°C, with dew points between 12.7°C and 13.5°C. While carburetor icing probability charts suggested that moderate icing could be expected at cruise power and serious icing at descent power, the likelihood of significant icing occurring at the higher takeoff power setting was considered unlikely, particularly given the brief period of low-power operation following the engine run-up.
Findings
- Post-accident examinations of the engine and fuel did not reveal any contributing factors to the power loss.
- Carburettor icing at takeoff power was deemed unlikely under the recorded environmental conditions.
- The pilot's decisive actions and maintenance of aircraft control were noted during the emergency.
Safety message
This occurrence serves as a reminder of the limited time available to pilots to manage engine issues following takeoff. To minimize risks during partial or complete power loss in single-engine aircraft, pilots should focus on:
- Comprehensive pre-flight planning and decision-making for emergencies specific to the aerodrome.
- Conducting thorough pre-flight inspections and engine ground runs to mitigate the risk of power loss.
- Maintaining positive aircraft control and decisive action when deciding between returning to the runway or performing a forced landing, while remaining mindful of stall speeds and flare energy.