What happened
On 5 March 2006, a Europa aircraft, registration G-BWZT, was conducting a private flight near Crowfield Airfield. The pilot, who was accompanied by a passenger, had taken off from the airfield to perform general handling and intended to practice stall maneuvers at approximately 4,000 ft.
During the stall exercise, the engine began to misfire. In an attempt to rectify the issue, the pilot increased power, switched to the reserve fuel tank, activated the electric fuel pump, and cycled the propeller control. While the engine eventually began to run more normally, the pilot was unable to maintain sufficient height and speed during a subsequent attempt to fly a tight, low-level circuit. Realizing a safe landing at the airfield was unlikely, the pilot decided to perform a forced landing in a nearby field.
The aircraft landed downwind, causing the nose wheel to dig into the ground. The impact caused the aircraft to pitch forward and yaw 180 degrees. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the engine's performance and the pilot's approach to the landing. It was noted that the aircraft arrived over the airfield at 3,000 ft, positioned on the dead side of Runway 31. Due to a strong tailwind, the aircraft's speed was excessively high by the time it reached the final approach leg. The pilot attempted a go-around with full power, but the engine failed to provide enough thrust to maintain flight.
Findings
- The engine experienced a period of misfiring during the stall maneuver.
- The engine was not producing sufficient power to maintain altitude and airspeed during the go-around attempt.
- The pilot's decision to execute a forced landing was made promptly once the loss of power became apparent.
- The aircraft sustained extensive damage to the engine cowling, spinner, undercarriage, left wing, and the aft fuselage.