Accident
On 4 July 2001, at 1732 hours UTC, a Piper PA-18-150 (registration G-ARAM) was conducting a tailwheel conversion flight at Clacton airfield, using Runway 36. The approach to this runway is over the sea. During the approach, at approximately 350 feet, the engine failed. The pilot initiated a forced landing after checking the mixture setting, fuel state, magnetos, and carburettor heat. The carburettor heat had been selected to 'HOT' during the base leg but was reselected to 'COLD' below 500 feet.
The aircraft landed successfully on a nearby beach, but towards the end of the ground roll, it ran into shallow water. The sudden retardation caused the aircraft to nose over, and it came to rest inverted. Both pilots suffered minor injuries but were able to vacate the aircraft without assistance.
Investigation
When engineering assistance arrived from Clacton airfield, the aircraft had already been recovered to an erect position. Eight gallons of fuel were drained from the fuel tanks, and fuel was present in the carburettor and the fuel filter bowl. There was also evidence of further fuel having drained from the aircraft while it was inverted. Inspection revealed no obvious reason for the engine failure.
Weather conditions at the time included no significant weather or cloud, a surface wind of 060°/10 kt, a surface temperature of +24°C, and a dew point of +14°C. These conditions placed the aircraft in an environment where serious carburettor icing is likely to occur with a low power setting.
The aircraft sustained substantial damage to both the airframe and some components, as a result of impact and immersion in sea water. The commander held a Commercial Pilot's Licence, was 22 years old, and had 1,450 total flying hours, with 700 hours on type, including 200 hours in the last 90 days and 80 hours in the last 28 days.