History of the Flight
The pilot, a part owner of the aircraft, planned a day trip to Dinard. After a pre-flight check including oil quantity and fuel drain, the engine was started and the aircraft taxied to the run-up area. Following engine power and pre-departure checks, ATC cleared the pilot to leave the Jersey Zone boundary on track for Dinard, not above 3000 feet.
After departure from Guernsey, the pilot levelled the aircraft at 2000 feet amsl and was instructed to contact Jersey Approach. When approximately 12 nm from Guernsey, the engine began to backfire and run roughly. The pilot informed Jersey ATC, who requested contact with Guernsey Approach. Shortly after, the rough running worsened, and the aircraft could not maintain height. The pilot turned back and had good visual contact with Guernsey Airport.
He transmitted a MAYDAY call, stating he would have to ditch. He released door catches and prepared, ensuring his life jacket was secured and the life raft was on the front passenger seat. With flaps extended to 30°, the aircraft impacted the sea in a level attitude, came to an abrupt halt, and pitched forward. The left wing dipped into the sea, and the cabin quickly filled with water. The pilot initially could not open either door but eventually kicked open his door when the cabin was nearly full of water, exiting underwater.
Once on the surface, he inflated his lifejacket and saw the tail slip below. He was in the water for about 15 minutes before a small single-manned fishing boat approached. The fisherman held his arms until rescue services arrived and pulled him from the water. He was taken to hospital. The aircraft wreckage was not recovered.
Examination of the Log Books
Examination of the Airframe and Engine Log books showed regular maintenance had been carried out. A 50-hour check on both airframe and engine was completed on 9 August 2001. The Engine Log book had two entries related to oil consumption.
First entry (19 February 2001): 'Reported high oil consumption, traced to No 4 cylinder. Piston rings replaced due top ring snapped and 2nd ring and oil control ring stuck in piston. Piston grooves cleaned - all reassembled iaw (in accordance with) lyc. (Lycoming) mm (Maintenance Manual) - filters checked and refitted. Oil changed to straight 100.'
Second entry (4 July 2001): 'High oil consumption reported. All compressions checked, No 3 cylinder compression drops off when not completely on TDC (top dead centre). Cylinder removed, honed, rings found carbon contaminated. All cleaned out and reassembled iaw mm.'