What happened
On 12 August 2000, a Colibri MB2, registration G-BUDW, was conducting a private flight from Breighton in the Vale of York toward Watchford Farm near Taunton, Somerset. The flight was approximately three hours into its duration when the engine ceased operation while the aircraft was passing south of the Taunton Race Course.
At the time of the incident, the weather conditions were favorable, characterized by good visibility, light southerly winds, and scattered clouds at 3,000 feet. The pilot had originally intended to stop for refueling at Oaksey Park, but after failing to establish contact with that airfield, the pilot proceeded directly to the destination, calculating that the remaining 3.5-hour endurance would be sufficient for the 3-hour journey.
Upon the engine failure, the pilot attempted to execute a forced landing at the race course. However, the presence of several individuals flying kites in the intended landing zone necessitated a change in approach. The pilot attempted a downwind landing using a side-slip maneuver to manage airspeed and altitude, but the aircraft stalled at an altitude of approximately 6 feet. The aircraft struck the ground heavily with the left wing down, resulting in minor damage to the propeller, landing gear, and left wing. The pilot escaped the wreckage without injury.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's fuel system following the accident. The investigation focused on why the engine failed despite the pilot's calculations regarding remaining flight endurance. The examination of the fuel system identified a small leak occurring around the strainer on the gascolator.