What happened
On 15 July 2004, a Denney Kitfox Mk 2, registration G-CBDI, was conducting a private flight from Lammerlaw Hill toward Sherrifhall airfield. During the transit, the pilot noticed an unusual odor within the cockpit. In an effort to ventilate the cabin, the pilot opened the aircraft door.
While monitoring the engine instruments, the pilot observed that all gauges remained within normal parameters. However, as a precautionary measure, the pilot began searching for a safe area to land. Shortly thereafter, the engine RPM dropped significantly and rapidly. This loss of power left the pilot with no choice but to perform an emergency landing on the heather-covered terrain of Lammermoor, East Lothian. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, the cowling, and one of the landing gear legs, but there were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The pilot noted a suspicion that the Rotax 582 two-stroke engine may have experienced a partial seizure. At the time of the report, the engine had not yet undergone a formal examination to confirm the mechanical state of the components.