Incident Overview
A single-pilot aircraft experienced a right engine failure shortly after departure from Oxford-Kidlington Airport. The aircraft had taken off from runway 20 and was climbing to an altitude of 1,500 feet when the pilot reduced engine power following the failure. The pilot informed Air Traffic Control (ATC) at Oxford Airport and was cleared to return to the airport.
Engine Fire and Emergency Landing
Shortly after reporting the engine failure, the right engine caught fire. The pilot attempted an emergency landing. The aircraft crash-landed on soft ground approximately 8 kilometers south of the airport. Upon impact, the aircraft burst into flames.
Pilot Status
The pilot escaped the aircraft uninjured.
Probable Cause
According to the official investigation, the probable cause of the accident was the failure of the right engine following the failure of the 4th cylinder in flight.