What happened
On 3 June 2007, an Easy Raider J2.2, registration G-CBXF, departed from a farm strip north of Newcastle for a flight to Fishburn Airfield. During the flight, the pilot encountered encroaching sea mist near South Shields while flying at approximately 1,400 ft. In an attempt to reach safer inland conditions quickly, the pilot initiated a shallow dive. During this maneuver, the engine began to falter. Although the pilot applied carburettor heat, the engine speed eventually dropped to idle and the engine ceased operation.
With the engine failed, the pilot sought a landing site. Due to the presence of the Newcastle Control Zone and the lack of visibility of the beach, the pilot was unable to turn inland immediately. The available landing options were restricted by power lines, livestock, and standing crops. Consequently, the pilot committed to a downwind landing into a cornfield. Upon touchdown, the aircraft performed a short ground roll before pitching forward and overturning onto its back. The pilot sustained minor injuries consisting of bruising and was able to exit the aircraft via the left door without assistance.
The investigation
The investigation examined the engine performance and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The pilot identified carburettor icing as the likely cause of the engine failure and noted that more frequent use of carburettor heat might have prevented the issue. Investigators also reviewed the meteorological data, noting a temperature of 14.2ºC and a dew-point of 11.2ºC. According to standard aviation charts used to assess icing risks, these specific conditions indicated a serious risk of carburettor icing across all power settings.
Findings
- The engine failure was likely caused by carburettor icing.
- The pilot's focus on navigating away from the advancing sea mist limited his ability to monitor engine health and manage icing risks.
- Landing options were constrained by terrain, crops, and overhead power lines.
- The aircraft overturned during the landing roll due to the downwind approach into a high-crop field.