What happened
On 10 April 2010, a Mainair Blade 912, registration G-BZFS, was performing a private flight departing from Caernarfon Airport. Following a successful pre-takeoff inspection and a rolling takeoff from Runway 02, the engine was operating within normal parameters. During the climb, at an altitude of approximately 200 feet, the engine experienced two coughs before losing power entirely.
As the pilot was operating on an intersecting runway configuration, there were few suitable landing sites available. After declaring a MAYDAY, the pilot executed a landing on a small grassed area adjacent to the airfield. During the subsequent landing roll, the aircraft crossed a drainage ditch, causing damage to the nose wheel, structural beams, and the front end pod. The pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation examined the engine performance and the fuel system following the loss of power. While the pilot was aware of debris present in the fuel tank from earlier in the year, he had been advised that the fuel filter would trap such material until a cleaning could be performed. Post-accident inspections revealed a build-up of debris within the muslin fuel filter and the fuel line upstream of the filter. The specific origin of this material was not determined.
Findings
- The engine power loss was caused by debris accumulation within the fuel system.
- The use of a rolling takeoff and the subsequent reduction in engine RPM to manage pitch attitude placed the aircraft at a lower altitude over the airport boundary, which restricted available landing options.
- The pilot's available choices for a forced landing were significantly limited by the aircraft's low altitude and position during the climb.