What happened
On 9 December 2004, a Europa AL Europa, registration PH-all-ZZZ, departed Wombleton Airfield in Yorkshire, bound for Manston Airport in Kent. Approximately 15 minutes into the journey, the pilot experienced a loud bang from the engine compartment, followed by severe engine roughness, a significant loss of power, and the smell of fuel within the cockpit.
With insufficient power for sustained level flight, the pilot diverted to RAF Linton-on-Ouse. After receiving radar vectors from air traffic control, the pilot opted for an approach to Runway 28 to minimize maneuvering. During the approach, the aircraft maintained a higher-than-normal speed, estimated by the pilot to be as high as 80 kt, and the pilot noted a potential physical restriction preventing the throttle from reaching the idle setting.
Realizing the remaining runway length was insufficient to prevent an overrun, the pilot attempted a go-around. However, engine power dropped rapidly during the maneuver. The pilot subsequently identified a field to the right for an emergency landing but determined that hitting a hedge was unavoidable. The aircraft struck the hedge and entered the field, where it traveled 20 meters before pitching nose-down and inverting. The impact caused the windscreen and gull-wing doors to detach, and both the pilot and the passenger became trapped in the wreckage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the NSI Subaru EA81 engine and the subsequent flight maneuvers. Emergency crews from the RAF arrived at the scene to extract the occupants from the overturned aircraft. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries and were transported to York hospital.
Investigators examined the runway characteristics at RAF Linton-on-Ouse, noting that the approach speed used was significantly higher than the 60 kt recommended in the aircraft's manual. The investigation also looked into the engine's performance during the attempted go-around and the physical state of the throttle mechanism.
Findings
- An engine malfunction, characterized by a loud bang and loss of power, occurred shortly after takeoff.
- The pilot's approach speed was approximately 80 kt, exceeding the standard 60 kt approach speed.
- A potential throttle restriction may have prevented the engine from reaching idle settings.
- The engine failure necessitated a forced landing into a field after an unsuccessful go-around attempt.
- The aircraft sustained extensive damage and was written off.