What happened
On 13 July 2005, a Beagle B1s Series 1, registration N556MA, was being operated on a private flight from Thurrock Airfield to Norwich Airport. The flight was intended to deliver a passenger to Thurrock for an annual inspection. Due to high temperatures and the presence of electricity pylons on the takeoff path, the pilot elected to use a 100 m paved extension at the start of Runway 07.
After completing pre-takeoff checks with 10 degrees of flaps selected, the aircraft commenced its takeoff roll on the dry grass surface. The aircraft became airborne after a ground run of roughly 300 m and climbed to 250 ft before the flaps were retracted. At approximately 300 ft, the engine began to lose power without any prior signs of rough running or noise. The pilot attempted to turn away from nearby power lines and initiated a downwind turn toward Runway 07. During this maneuver, the engine stopped completely. Due to the lack of time to extend the electric flaps, the pilot performed a flapless forced landing into a field of standing crops. The aircraft came to rest after a short ground run of approximately 25 m. The pilot sustained a minor injury, while the passenger was uninjured.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the aircraft following the accident. The inspection revealed extensive damage, including a bent propeller blade, a collapsed undercarriage, and various detached engine ancillaries. The engine was subsequently tested by an independent facility, which found it to be functioning satisfactorily with a slave oil sump and carburettor. The investigation also reviewed the aircraft's weight and balance, noting that the last measurement had been taken in September 2002.
Findings
- The aircraft exceeded its maximum permitted take-off weight by approximately 86 lbs.
- The takeoff performance was marginal because the actual weight exceeded the 1,600 lb limit.
- No specific cause for the reported engine failure could be determined.