What happened
On 2 August 2007, a Pegasus Xl-R, registration G-MTIP, was conducting a local flight from a farm strip when it encountered light rain. While the pilot was maintaining a cruise power setting of 5,000 rpm at 500 ft agl, the engine suddenly ceased operation without warning.
In response to the engine failure, the pilot evaluated several nearby fields for a potential forced landing and selected one that appeared suitable. To avoid trees during the final approach, the landing was executed slightly beyond the intended touchdown point. Upon touchdown, the pilot encountered a downhill gradient and damp grass that had not been clearly visible from the air. The combination of the slope and the surface conditions prevented the aircraft from stopping within the field boundaries. The nosewheel struck a ditch at the edge of the field, which caused the aircraft to flip over and come to rest in an inverted position against a boundary fence. There were no injuries to the two occupants, though the aircraft sustained extensive damage to the wing, trike, and rigging wires.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the circumstances surrounding the engine failure and the subsequent ground impact. Investigators checked the engine and the ignition system to determine if a mechanical or electrical fault had caused the power loss. The investigation confirmed that the engine had not seized and that the ignition system remained fully serviceable. No specific cause for the sudden engine cutout was identified during the inquiry.