Engine failure during takeoff leads to runway excursion in Wigtownshire

Casualties unknown • West Freugh, Wigtownshire, Scotland, GB

A Nicollier HN 700 Menestrel II experienced a sudden engine loss of power shortly after takeoff from West Freugh, resulting in a runway excursion and aircraft damage.

What happened

On 24 August 2000, a Nicollier HN 700 Menestrel II, registration G-MINS, was cleared for takeoff from Runway 30 at West Freugh, Wigtownshire, following a brief hold for other traffic. As the aircraft reached approximately 50 feet of altitude, the engine experienced a sudden falter and ceased operation. The pilot immediately issued a 'PAN' call and attempted an emergency landing on the remaining portion of the takeoff runway.

During the landing attempt, the left main landing gear struck the runway surface, causing the axle to fail. The landing gear dug into the runway, forcing the aircraft onto its nose. The aircraft then skidding along the runway on the engine cowl, the left main leg, and the right main wheel, eventually coming to a stop after rotating approximately 130 degrees to the left. Although fuel was leaking from the aircraft, no fire occurred, and both the pilot and the single passenger evacuated the aircraft without injury.

The investigation

The investigation examined the engine performance and environmental conditions at the time of the accident. At the airfield, the temperature was recorded at 17.2°C with a dew point of 12.5°C, conditions that are known to support moderate icing at cruise power and serious icing at descent power. The investigation looked into the pilot's use of the carburettor heat system and the potential for ice accumulation during the period the aircraft was holding on the ground.

Findings

  • The engine power loss was likely caused by carburettor icing.
  • It is possible that ice began forming during the ground holding period and continued to accumulate during the takeoff roll without being detected by the pilot.
  • While the aircraft was equipped with carburettor heat, the pilot had established a habit of only activating the system once airborne, as he did not realize icing could occur while the aircraft was stationary on the ground.

Safety action

  • The pilot/owner is replacing the carbon and glass fibre carburettor air intake ducts with copper components to allow engine heat to assist in preventing ice buildup.
  • Ice detectors will be installed on the twin carburettor inlet assemblies to provide cockpit LED warnings if ice is detected.
  • The pilot intends to modify his operational procedures to ensure the carburettor heat is used to clear the inlets prior to takeoff.

Probable cause

The engine failure was likely due to carburettor icing, which may have begun during ground operations and continued to accumulate during the takeoff roll, exacerbated by the pilot's practice of only applying carburettor heat after leaving the ground.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2000-08-24 NICOLLIER HN 700 MENESTREL II accident near West Freugh, Wigtownshire, Scotland, GB?

A Nicollier HN 700 Menestrel II experienced a sudden engine loss of power shortly after takeoff from West Freugh, resulting in a runway excursion and aircraft damage.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2000-08-24 involved a NICOLLIER HN 700 MENESTREL II, registration G-MINS, at West Freugh, Wigtownshire, Scotland, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine failure was likely due to carburettor icing, which may have begun during ground operations and continued to accumulate during the takeoff roll, exacerbated by the pilot's practice of only applying carburettor heat after leaving the ground.

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