What happened
On 10 December 2010, a Piper PA-28-140 Cherokee, registration G-BXPL, was performing solo training circuits at Wellesbourne Mountford Airfield in Warwickshire. The weather conditions were clear with a 10 kt westerly breeze and a cloud base of 2,500 ft. During the climb-out phase of the final circuit, the student pilot noticed a subtle change in engine noise as the aircraft reached 500 ft agl. As the aircraft climbed to 1,000 ft agl and leveled off on the crosswind leg, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power, causing the RPM to drop to 1,200.
In response to the power loss, the pilot applied carburettor heat and switched fuel tanks. While the engine showed a limited response to throttle movements, no significant power increase could be achieved. The pilot identified a field to the north-east for an emergency landing. During the approach, the aircraft touched down at the far end of the field, striking a boundary hedge at a speed exceeding 20 kt. The aircraft then came to rest on a nearby road. The pilot sustained no injuries and was able to exit the aircraft through the door without assistance. No vehicles on the road were involved in the collision.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft' and the pilot's actions following the engine failure. Maintenance records and a post-accident inspection by the flying school's provider revealed significant fuel leaks, confirming that fuel had been present in the system at the time of the incident. The pilot provided evidence that fuel had been purchased immediately before the flight, which was sufficient for the intended duration. The engine controls were found to be properly connected, and there was no visible evidence of pre-impact damage to the engine components.
Findings
- The engine power loss occurred during the crosswind leg of the training circuit.
- The pilot attempted standard emergency procedures, including the use of carburettor heat and switching fuel tanks.
- The engine power loss was the primary factor leading to the forced landing.
- Atmospheric conditions, specifically the air temperature, were highly conducive to carburettor icing, which could occur at any power setting.
- A restriction in the fuel system, air intake, or carburettor remains a possible contributing factor, though the limited post-accident inspection prevented a definitive conclusion.