Accident Details
At 2141 hours on 15 July 2003, a modified Piper PA-20 Pacer, registration G-BFMR, was involved in an accident at Headcorn Aerodrome, Kent. The aircraft was conducting a private flight with one pilot and one passenger on board. The pilot held a Private Pilot's Licence and had accumulated 1,190 flying hours, of which 689 were on type; his recent flying included 26 hours in the last 90 days and 11 hours in the last 28 days.
Sequence of Events
The pilot had returned to Headcorn from a farm strip. He joined the circuit at 2,000 feet and initiated a straight-in approach for Runway 11. During the descent, a full sideslip to the left was performed, with a small amount of power maintained to avoid shock cooling of the engine. After rounding out, the aircraft touched down normally just beyond the threshold. The pilot then taxied down the runway at a "reasonably high speed". Approximately two-thirds of the way along the runway, he decided to conduct another circuit.
Engine Stoppage and Forced Landing
The throttle was advanced and the aircraft climbed away on full power. However, upon reaching approximately 50 feet, the engine stopped suddenly. The pilot attempted to land ahead in a small field bordering the far end of the runway. During the landing, the landing gear struck a substantial electric fence, bringing the aircraft to rest after about 10 feet. The passenger was unhurt, while the pilot sustained minor injuries. Both occupants vacated the aircraft without assistance.
Pilot's Assessment of Cause
In his report, the pilot assessed the cause of the accident as an interruption of the fuel supply to the engine. He stated that during the prolonged sideslip to the left, the fuel collector in the left wing tank—which was selected for the approach—became uncovered. This allowed air to be drawn into the fuel system. The pilot believed that the air ultimately reached the engine during the climb-out, and that any residual fuel in the pipework and carburettor had been consumed during the descent, taxi, and initial climb-out. He noted that the PA-20, unlike other Piper single-engined aircraft, is not fitted with a header tank between the fuel tanks and the engine.