What happened
On 30 August 2005, an Ikarulent C42 FB, registration G-IAJS, was performing flight operations at Kinderton Farm, an unlicensed grass airfield in Cheshire. The aircraft, which had recently undergone assembly and initial flight testing, was being operated for a private flight. Following a high-speed taxi run with a passenger on board, the pilot elected to take off and fly a left-hand circuit.
Upon returning to the airfield and touching down on Runway 07, the aircraft experienced a leftward yaw. In an attempt to avoid landing within the limited runway length, the pilot initiated a go-around by applying full power. During the climb, the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 50 to 60 feet before the engine speed began to decay. This loss of power resulted in an aerodynamic stall, causing the right wing to drop and the aircraft to strike the ground while in a right-hand turn.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's recent history and the mechanical state of the engine. It was noted that the pilot/owner had recently completed ground runs and taxi tests. The investigation also looked into the engine configuration, specifically regarding the presence of a carburettor heating system.
Meteorological data for the area indicated that the temperature and dew point were close, creating conditions conducive to the formation of ice in a carburettor during low power settings. The physical damage to the aircraft included significant impact to the propeller, landing gear, cabin floor, and the right-hand rear wing spar.