What happened
On 3 June 2009, a Europa XS, registration G-FELL, was conducting a private flight from Oban towards Glenforsa when the engine began to sputter and cough. The pilot managed to restore power by activating the electric fuel pump. Following this incident, the pilot refuelled with AVGAS at Oban before continuing to Strathaven, where additional MOGAS was added to the tanks.
During the return flight to England, the engine performed normally for approximately two hours. However, while flying near the MAN low level corridor, the engine power began to diminish. Although activating the electric fuel pump temporarily restored power, the pilot determined that a landing was necessary. After some initial confusion regarding radio communications, the pilot attempted a slipping turn to reach Ashcroft Airlagfield's Runway 27. Realising a tailwind would cause the aircraft to overshoot the runway, the pilot opted for a "dumbell" approach onto Runway 09. During this manoeuvre, the engine surged, leading to a forced landing in a field. The aircraft subsequently rolled approximately 100 metres into a barbed wire fence, resulting in damage to the fibreglass fairings and the landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation established that the engine power loss was caused by a partially blocked main fuel filter. While the pilot initially suspected vapour lock due to high fuel temperatures following exposure to sunshine, subsequent discussions with ground engineers suggested a blocked filter was the more likely culprit. The investigation also noted that the pilot's focus was diverted by radio communication confusion during the emergency.
Findings
- The engine power loss resulted from a partially blocked main fuel filter.
- The pilot's concentration on the forced landing was impacted by confusing radio transmissions.
- The pilot noted that a lack of specific system knowledge regarding the selection of the reserve tank may have prevented the issue from being resolved earlier.