What happened
On 23 June 2009, a Pegasus Quantum 15, registration G-MZOV, was conducting a private flight near Enstone Aerodrome in Oxfordshire. The flight followed a series of touch-and-go landings and routine engine maintenance. During the descent to circuit height on the dead side of the runway, the pilot applied power to warm the engine. Although the aircraft reached the target altitude of 600 ft, the pilot observed that the engine was slow to accelerate.
While flying the base leg of the circuit, the engine began to fade and eventually ceased operation. Due to the presence of other aircraft in the circuit, the pilot continued the descent before deciding on a landing site. The pilot selected a field located approximately a quarter-mile north-west of the Runway 08 threshold, choosing the area with the least dense crop cover. During the landing flare, the pilot attempted to maintain a slow airspeed; however, the thick vegetation caused the aircraft to pitch forward onto its nose gear. The impact bent the front steering fork at a welded joint and caused damage to the glass-fibre cockpit fairing. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the engine failure. The investigation focused on the engine's performance following maintenance and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. No mechanical defects were discovered during the repair of the aircraft.
Findings
- The engine failure occurred during the first operation following routine maintenance.
- The pilot noted that the engine was slow to respond to power applications during the descent.
- Atmospheric conditions were conducive to carburettor icing, although the pilot noted that this specific engine and installation were not typically prone to such issues.