What happened
On 19 May 2001, a Jodel D117, registration G-BGTX, was conducting a private flight from Elmsett to Shobdon. While approximately 12 nautical miles east of Wellesbourne Mountford, the pilot noticed the engine running roughly. Suspecting carburettor icing, the pilot applied carburettor heat, which restored normal power. After deactivating the heat, the pilot switched on the electric fuel pump and changed the fuel tank selection as a precaution, noting that both tanks were roughly half full.
Deciding to divert to Wellesbourne, the pilot contacted Wellesbourne FIS and began a standard overhead join from 2,500 feet. However, during the descent, roughly 3 nautical miles from the airfield, the engine began running poorly again before stopping completely. The pilot issued a 'Pan' call and, unable to reach Wellesbourne, notified the AFISO of his intention to land in the grass area of the central test track at the disused Gaydon airfield. Despite being warned by the AFISO that the central area consisted of rough ground, the pilot proceeded with the approach.
While approaching from the east, the pilot attempted two restarts but was unable to relight the engine. During the final stages of the approach, the pilot had to adjust the flight path to avoid a camera pylon on the track. The aircraft struck the top of a bank at approximately 35 to 40 knots. The impact caused the landing gear to be torn away, and the aircraft came to a stop in a gorse bush. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
The investigation examined the engine performance and fuel systems following the accident. During the recovery of the aircraft, it was noted that a sufficient amount of fuel remained in the tanks. A subsequent technical examination of the engine revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction.