What happened
On 1 June 1999, a Piper PA-28-161, registration G-BPJS, was conducting a solo general handling flight near Enstone, Oxfordshire. The pilot, who was training for an Airline Transport Pilot's Licence, was performing a practice forced landing pattern following a simulated engine fire. During the descent, the pilot had increased power at approximately 1,100 feet to warm the engine, maintaining the carburettor heat in the 'ON' position with the plan to execute a go-around at 500 feet.
As the aircraft reached the intended height for the go-around, the pilot switched the carburettor heat to 'OFF' and applied full throttle. However, the engine failed to respond, with engine speed only increasing to 1,500 rpm. After performing unsuccessful engine failure checks, the pilot shut down the engine, issued a Mayday call, and performed a forced landing in a nearby field. To avoid trees at the edge of the field, the pilot used right rudder to steer the aircraft, causing it to run obliquely across a shallow stream. The impact resulted in the collapse of the nose and right main landing gear, causing damage to the engine mount, cowling, propeller, and right wing. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft and the circumstances surrounding the power loss. Upon recovery, the engine was found to be operating normally. Subsequent engineering inspections and maintenance work performed to return the aircraft to service identified no mechanical defects capable of causing the loss of power.
Findings
- The engine power loss occurred immediately after the pilot reselected the carburettor heat to 'OFF' and applied full throttle.
- The training organisation suggested that the engine may have experienced a rich cut during the transition from the simulated engine fire procedure to the attempted go-around.