What happened
On 17 December 2000, a Champion 7GCBC, registration G-BAYZ, was engaged in a private flight departing from Manor Farm Strip. The pilot originally intended to fly towards Salisbury to land at Old Sarum; however, due to misty conditions and visibility of only 3 km, the decision was made to return to the departure airfield.
Upon returning to the strip, the pilot performed several practice glide approaches to Runway 09. During the third attempt, the aircraft was positioned too high for a safe landing, prompting the pilot to initiate a go-around. As full power was applied and flaps were retracted to 14°, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power. Unable to maintain altitude, the aircraft struck a hedge at the end of the runway, cleared a silage clamp, and collided with the top of a parked tractor. The impact caused the aircraft to flip and come to rest upside down near a slurry pit.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot. The aircraft sustained significant damage to the engine, propeller, wings, and fuselage, with the engine also experiencing shock loading. The pilot, who was wearing a full safety harness, sustained one minor injury and was able to exit the wreckage through the door.
Findings
- The pilot's decision to abort the flight to Old Sarum was prompted by unsuitable weather conditions.
- The primary factor in the loss of altitude was a sudden loss of engine power during the go-around maneuver.
- The pilot identified carburettor icing as the likely cause of the engine failure.