What happened
On 6 August 2011, a Nipper T.66 RA45 Series 3, registration G-AVKI, was conducting private flight practice at RAF Honington. The pilot was performing circuit training, which included practicing landings in ungrassed fields. After completing downwind checks, including the selection of carburetor heat to the hot position, the pilot turned onto the base leg and reduced throttle. At this point, the engine ceased operation.
Upon verifying that both the fuel selector and magnetos were in the correct positions, the pilot determined that a forced landing was necessary due to the aircraft's proximity to the runway threshold. The pilot selected a field located a short distance from the runway and issued a mayday call. During the landing attempt, the mainwheels contacted the ground approximately one-third of the way down the field, causing the aircraft to flip over and come to rest in an inverted position. The pilot was trapped inside the cockpit until bystanders assisted in righting the aircraft. Emergency services, including the Suffolk Police Air Support helicopter and RAF Honington fire services, attended the scene. The pilot sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, canopy, nose leg, and the top of the fin. Investigators looked into the sequence of events leading to the engine failure and the subsequent loss of control during the touchdown. The pilot noted that his regular practice of forced landings and his habit of ensuring harness straps were tight prior to touchdown were significant factors in his survival.