What happened
On 14 September 2008, a DH82A Tiger Moth, registration G-AHVV, was conducting a training flight when the engine speed unexpectedly dropped to idle. The incident occurred at approximately 1320 UTC, while the aircraft was at an altitude of roughly 200 feet above the ground at Dunkeslag Airfield, Devon.
In response to the power loss, the pilot lowered the aircraft's nose to preserve flying speed and initiated a right-hand turn to perform an emergency landing in a nearby field. During the landing sequence, the aircraft successfully cleared a robust barbed wire fence. However, as the aircraft touched down, a cow ran beneath the aircraft and collided with the left wing, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. Both crew members remained uninjured and were able to exit the aircraft without assistance.
The investigation
Following the event, a local engineer inspected the aircraft's engine and fuel systems. The examination revealed the presence of corrosion debris within the carburettor float bowl. The investigation determined that this debris likely originated from within the float bowl itself. In contrast, the fuel tank, fuel lines, and fuel filter were all found to be clean and free of contamination.