Introduction
On 25 July 1998 at 1126 hrs UTC, a Europa Classic aircraft, registration G-MAVE, was destroyed following a forced landing at Farthing Corner Airfield, Kent. The two occupants on board were uninjured. The aircraft, powered by a single Subaru EA81 piston engine, was on a two-hour endurance test flight.
Background
The aircraft had been built to a high standard, as assessed by the prospective test pilot and a PFA Inspector during construction. The combination of the Subaru EA81 engine, heavy duty battery, comprehensive instruments, and leather interior placed the unladen weight at the top of the Europa range, limiting payload and range. Taxi trials in late June and July revealed intermittent engine stoppages, which restarted after 10–15 seconds when hot. Adjustments to the fuel pressure regulator (from 3.5 to 4.0 psi, then to 4.5 psi) and application of carburettor heat did not eliminate the issue. Following the engine supplier’s recommendation, fuel lines were insulated with Thermowrap and fuel was changed from MOGAS to AVGAS. After 1 hour 55 minutes of taxi trials, the last half hour uneventful, the aircraft conducted takeoffs and landings at Lydd Airport, followed by short flights totaling 2 hours before positioning to Laddingford Aerodrome for the endurance test.
Events of the Flight
At takeoff with two occupants, the aircraft was at maximum takeoff weight and carried fuel for 2 hours 30 minutes. After approximately 1 hour 30 minutes of flight over Kent, rough running was noted at 4,000 RPM. Increasing engine speed to 4,500 RPM and selecting carburettor heat restored smooth operation. At 1 hour 45 minutes, while at 1,600 feet in a rate-one left turn, the engine stopped suddenly without warning. The fuel flow meter indicated 18.9 litres remaining. The pilot selected the auxiliary fuel tank and switched on the second auxiliary fuel pump, but an attempted restart was unsuccessful.
A MAYDAY call was made on Rochester Airport frequency (122.25 MHz). The aircraft was trimmed for best glide speed and aligned with the extended centerline of Farthing Corner’s Runway 24 (380 metres, grass), approximately two miles away. After lowering landing gear and sideslipping to lose height, the aircraft crossed the threshold at about 10 feet but did not decelerate to touch down until near the far end. The pilot chose to pull up and stall into tree foliage beyond the airfield rather than risk striking tree trunks through a hedge. The tail struck branches and was torn off; the remainder fell backwards from about 50 feet. Both occupants vacated the aircraft without difficulty after switching off systems.
Post-Accident Examination
The next day, two PFA Inspectors examined the aircraft. At least 10 litres of fuel remained in the tank, sufficient for 30 minutes at fast cruise, but no fuel was present in the forward fuel lines. Investigation focused on the fuel supply system—including the non-standard gascolator, fuel filters, fuel pressure regulator, fuel tank, and tank outlet positions—but no defect causing the engine stoppage was identified.