History of the Flight
The aircraft, a Beagle B121 Series 1 registered N556MA, was being flown from Thurrock Airfield back to Norwich Airport. The pilot and a passenger had previously flown another aircraft to Thurrock for an annual inspection. Before departure, the pilot discussed performance concerns with the owner of a maintenance organisation at Thurrock, who noted the hot weather, light wind, and electricity pylons on rising ground along the takeoff path. The owner suggested using the 100-meter paved extension at the start of Runway 07, which the pilot followed.
The pilot started the engine with approximately 11 imperial gallons of fuel and taxied for takeoff. Runway 07, a 650-meter grass surface, was dry. After completing pre-takeoff checks and selecting 10° of flap, the pilot commenced the takeoff roll. The aircraft became airborne after about 300 meters, climbing at 60 knots. At approximately 250 feet, the pilot retracted the flaps. At about 300 feet, the engine began to lose power without any prior rough running or unusual noises. The pilot verified the fuel pump was on, both fuel tanks selected, and momentarily selected carburettor heat to check for icing. With the engine at reduced power, the pilot turned away from nearby power lines and initiated a turn downwind for Runway 07. After approximately 90° of turn, the engine stopped completely. The pilot executed a flapless forced landing into a field of standing crops. The aircraft came to rest after a ground roll of about 25 meters. The pilot and passenger exited unassisted and contacted emergency services. The pilot sustained a minor back injury; the passenger was uninjured.
Weather
A Meteorological Office aftercast indicated a ridge of high pressure over the British Isles with light airflow over southeast England. The surface wind was expected from 120° at 5 to 10 knots, temperature +24°C, dew point +14°C, relative humidity 54%, visibility over 10 km, and little cloud below 10,000 feet. The pilot reported the surface wind as light and variable with a temperature of +22°C and CAVOK conditions.
Aircraft Examination
The aircraft was inspected the following morning. It was severely damaged: one propeller blade bent, undercarriage collapsed, and various engine ancillaries detached from the bottom of the engine. The engine had sufficient oil, no signs of leaks, and the ignition system appeared intact. Approximately 12 imperial gallons of fuel were drained from the aircraft's tanks. The engine was later tested at an independent facility and found to function satisfactorily with a slave oil sump and carburettor.
Weight and Balance
The aircraft's empty weight was 1,207 lbs, with a maximum takeoff weight of 1,600 lbs. At takeoff, the weight was calculated as 1,686 lbs, exceeding the maximum by 86 lbs. If accounting for the 12 gallons drained (which weighed more than the initial fuel), the excess was approximately 94 lbs. The aircraft exceeded its maximum permitted takeoff weight.
Performance
An eyewitness near the threshold of Runway 07 observed the aircraft become airborne after using approximately 75% of the available runway (about 560 meters, including the paved extension). According to the aircraft's operating manual, the takeoff distance required at maximum takeoff weight with 10° flap and factored for dry grass is 648 meters, with the takeoff run not exceeding 60% (389 meters). The CAA's Safety Sense Leaflet 9 recommends adding a 33% safety factor, which would increase the required takeoff distance to 862 meters and run to 517 meters. Given the actual takeoff weight above the maximum, the takeoff performance was marginal.
Conclusion
The aircraft exceeded its maximum allowable takeoff weight and should not have attempted flight without reducing weight to 1,600 lbs or less. No explanation for the reported engine failure could be determined.