What happened
On May 20, 2005, a Miles M38 Messenger 2A, registration G-AJOE, was conducting a cross-country flight from Hamburg-Uetersen via Groningen to Calais. The aircraft, which had been restored in 2001, was carrying a pilot and one passenger. While flying at approximately 1,200 feet, the engine and propeller suddenly ceased operation with a violent jolt. The pilot reported that there were no preceding warning signs before the engine instantly seized.
Following the engine failure, the pilot declared a MAYDAY to Dutch Air Traffic Control. The pilot attempted an emergency landing in a field recently planted with corn. Due to significant wind gusts of approximately 25 knots, the aircraft overshot the intended touchdown point. While the aircraft landed on all three wheels, the pilot could not stop the plane before reaching the end of the field. In an effort to avoid a wide water dyke at the edge of the field, the pilot applied full control input; however, the main wheels struck the opposing dyke bank with great force, causing the right-hand wing and undercarriage to be torn from the fuselage. There were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
The investigation, which relied on information from the pilot and the Aviation Police, focused on the sudden loss of power and the subsequent impact. Physical examination of the aircraft revealed holes in the engine casing and substantial damage to the right-hand side of the fuselage. The aircraft was subsequently declared a total loss.
Findings
- The engine failure was likely caused by a broken connecting rod bolt.
- The aircraft was operating with approximately 100 flight hours on the engine and airframe since its last overhaul and restoration.
- High wind speeds contributed to the difficulty of the emergency landing and the subsequent impact with the dyke.