What happened
On 17 November 2012, a Pegasus Quantum 15, registration G-MYRN, departed Perth (Scone) Aerodrome for a flight to a nearby field. The weather at the time was clear and dry with light, cold winds. Approximately five minutes into the flight, the engine began running roughly, despite engine instruments displaying normal parameters. In response to the vibration, the pilot reduced power and attempted to locate a suitable landing site.
Upon approaching a farm field, the pilot identified that the area was intersected by wire fencing. While maneuvering to avoid the wires, the engine ceased operation entirely. The pilot subsequently performed a landing in a muddy section of the field. The aircraft sustained damage to the front landing gear and wing, but the pilot escaped without injury.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot. The pilot had previously flown the aircraft earlier that day without incident. Before this specific flight, the pilot had refuelled the aircraft using MOGAS and had added the required amount of lubricant to the fuel tank. The pilot noted a possibility that the lubricant and fuel had not mixed sufficiently during the refuelling process.
Following the incident, the engine was dismantled for inspection. The investigation established that the engine had seized.
Findings
- The engine failure was caused by a seizure of the engine components.
- The specific cause of the seizure could not be definitively confirmed, though a lack of lubrication was a suspected factor.
- The pilot's decision to land in a muddy field was necessitated by the need to avoid wire fencing present in the primary landing area.