What happened
On May 10, 1997, a Rans Coyote S ultralight, identified as 57-NL, was performing a solo flight near Kaltenhouse when the engine ceased operation during the final approach. The pilot attempted to restart the engine, but the failure recurred. Realizing the aircraft would not clear the trees located before the runway, the pilot executed a left turn and performed an emergency landing in a field characterized by tall grass, approximately 30 centimeters in height.
Following the initial landing, the pilot successfully restarted the engine and attempted to take off again. During the takeoff roll, the aircraft veered to the left. As the nose wheel lifted, it struck the upper strand of a barbed-wire fence, causing the aircraft to come to a halt in an adjacent field.
The investigation
Investigators examined the engine of the Rans Coyote S following the incident. The inspection revealed the onset of an engine seizure, alongside heavily fouled spark plugs. The investigation also assessed the pilot's experience, noting the pilot was a trainee with 35 total flight hours, including 10 hours on this specific aircraft type.
Findings
- The primary cause of the accident was an erroneous evaluation of takeoff conditions following the initial engine failure.
- The engine failure during the first approach was linked to fouled spark plugs and the beginning of a mechanical seizure.
- The aircraft sustained significant damage, and a section of fencing was destroyed during the failed takeoff attempt.