Incident Overview
On 1 June 1999 at 1542 hours UTC, a Piper PA-28-161 (registration G-BPJS) was conducting a solo general handling flight near Enstone, Oxfordshire. The pilot, an 18-year-old holder of a Private Pilot's Licence with 160 total flying hours (115 on type), was training for an Airline Transport Pilot's Licence with an approved training organisation.
Sequence of Events
The pilot was flying a practice forced landing pattern following a simulated 'engine fire' over open country. During the descent, he warmed the engine with a burst of power at about 1,100 feet agl and continued the approach with carburettor heat set to 'ON', intending to commence a go-around at about 500 feet agl. As he approached this height, he reselected carburettor heat to 'OFF' and applied full throttle. However, the engine speed only increased to approximately 1,500 rpm. He rapidly carried out engine failure checks without success, then shut down the engine, transmitted a Mayday call, and executed a forced landing in a field ahead.
Touchdown and Damage
The aircraft touched down about halfway into a pasture field. The pilot applied right rudder to slew the aircraft, realising it would otherwise collide with trees at the far end of the field. The aircraft ran obliquely across a broad shallow stream, causing the right main landing gear and nose gear to collapse. Damage occurred to the right main and nose landing gear, engine mount, cowling panels, propeller, right wing, and flap. The pilot was uninjured and vacated the aircraft without difficulty.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, visibility was 10 km with scattered cloud at 3,800 feet. Temperature was 19°C and dew point 9°C.
Post-Accident Examination
The aircraft was subsequently recovered, and the engine was found to run normally. Further investigation and engineering work to return the aircraft to service revealed no defect that might have caused the loss of power. The training organisation reported that carburettor ice was not suspected but suggested that, in their view, the engine may have experienced a 'rich cut', possibly due to engine handling during the practice forced landing approach and attempted go-around.