History of the flight
The pilot of Piper PA-15 Vagabond G-BTOT departed from Fishburn Airfield for a local general handling flight. After an uneventful first circuit and landing, the pilot backtracked and took off again. During the climb through approximately 1,000 feet, the engine began to run roughly. The pilot applied carburettor heat, but the engine then stopped, likely due to carburettor icing. He attempted to land at a nearby farm strip; however, during the approach, the engine cut out completely, forcing a landing short of the strip in a grass field.
Damage
The aircraft touched down heavily, resulting in minor damage to the landing gear and airframe.
Pilot's comments
The pilot noted that the weather conditions at the time were conducive to carburettor icing and considered this to be the cause of the engine stoppage.