History of the Flight
The aircraft, a Cessna F177RG Cardinal RG registered G-LNYS, departed Popham at 1100 hours on 23 August 2009 for a private aerial photography flight with a pilot and a photographer (the aircraft owner) on board. The fuel tanks were filled to capacity, providing approximately six hours of endurance. Weather conditions were described as good, with scattered clouds at 3,000 ft and a westerly wind.
After about four hours and twenty minutes of flight, while cruising at 1,500 ft and returning to Popham, the engine began to shudder and lose power. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot the problem but could not restore full power. Although the engine continued to run roughly, the pilot could not maintain level flight.
Forced Landing
The pilot initiated a descent and selected a field for a forced landing, declaring a pan on the radio. As the aircraft approached the initial field, the pilot observed livestock present and deemed it unsuitable. Surrounding fields were small, so he chose the most acceptable option. The aircraft landed in the field but could not stop within the available distance and entered bushes and small trees at the far end.
Post-Accident
The aircraft sustained extensive damage, beyond economic repair. The pilot received a minor injury, while the passenger was uninjured. Both vacated the aircraft normally, and there was no fire, though a smell of fuel was noted. The aircraft owner reported no previous issues with the aircraft or engine. An initial examination of the engine revealed no obvious cause for the power loss. The aircraft was subsequently scrapped.