What happened
On 26 July 1998, a Jodel D112, registration G-BCOG, was performing a private flight from Lydd, Kent, toward its base at Bourne Park. The flight was part of a series of legs following a weekend fly-in in France. While flying near Bentworth, Hampshire, the aircraft experienced an engine failure. The pilot transmitted a Mayday call, stating the aircraft was attempting an emergency landing in a field near Lasham.
Witnesses observed the aircraft gliding toward a crop field. During the descent, the aircraft began a right-hand turn that rapidly increased in bank angle. The nose dropped, and the aircraft entered a rotation before impacting the ground in a steep, nose-down attitude. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained two fatal injuries, and the aircraft was destroyed.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the aircraft's fuel system. The investigation established that the aircraft was likely operating with extremely low fuel levels. Based on flight durations and consumption rates, it was estimated that the aircraft had no more than 5 litres of fuel remaining at the time of the accident. The fuel indicator was found to be unreliable, as a damaged rod prevented accurate readings when fuel levels dropped below 5 litres.
No evidence of mechanical failure in the primary structure or flight controls was found. The engine and magneto systems were largely intact, and the carburettor showed no defects capable of causing an engine stoppage. However, the investigation noted that the fuel tanks were essentially empty upon impact. Additionally, while the engine was prone to carburettor icing, the carburettor heat selector was found in the 'cold' position at the time of impact.
Findings
- The aircraft suffered an engine failure that led to a loss of control.
- The pilot attempted a forced landing but lost airspeed, leading to an incipient spin from which recovery was impossible at the low altitude.
- The aircraft was likely operating with critically low fuel levels, potentially near empty.
- The fuel quantity indicator was incapable of providing accurate readings at the most critical low-level stages of flight.