What happened
On 8 January 2011, a Pegasus Quantum 15, registration G-BZVJ, was conducting a private flight from Tain Airfield in Scotland. Following an earlier flight with a passenger and a brief break, the pilot commenced a new local flight from the grass runway. During the climb to approximately 700 ft, the engine stopped unexpectedly.
Realising that the remaining height was insufficient to complete the turn back to the runway, the pilot attempted to find a suitable field for an emergency landing. However, the available fields were occupied by livestock. The pilot then attempted to return to the runway for a downwind landing, but found the aircraft was too high to make the final turn. In an effort to avoid an approaching fence, the pilot pushed the control bar forward to maintain altitude. During this manoeuvre, the rear wheels of the trike struck the top of the fence, causing the aircraft to drop into a nearby field and come to rest on its side. The pilot sustained no injuries.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the circumstances surrounding the power loss and the subsequent impact. The investigation confirmed that there was adequate fuel in the tank at the time of the incident. While the pilot suspected either fuel line icing or carburettor icing as the cause, the physical examination of the engine did not provide a definitive reason for the failure.
Findings
- The engine lost power at a takeoff power setting.
- The aircraft's carburettor heater system is not fitted as standard to this model, though it is available as an optional modification.
- Weather conditions, including a temperature of -1°C and a dew point of -3°C, were consistent with the potential for icing, although the failure occurred at a power setting where such icing is less common.