History of the Flight
The pilot, the sole occupant, planned a private flight from Stapleford, Essex, to Leicester with a return via Panshanger, Hertfordshire. After checking the weather forecast, which indicated a 15-20 kt south-westerly airflow with 10 km visibility and isolated showers, the pilot departed. Approaching Leicester, the pilot heard reports of bad weather and decided to divert to Panshanger, where conditions were known to be better.
At 1545 hrs, the pilot positioned the aircraft on right base leg for Runway 29 at Panshanger and carried out pre-landing checks, including changing fuel tanks and selecting the electric fuel pump. During the approach, unusual power or propeller fluctuations were sensed, but the pilot attributed them to crosswind effects and turbulence. The approach became unstable due to increasing gusts, so the pilot initiated a go-around.
Accident Sequence
During the go-around, the pilot struggled to maintain airspeed and angle of bank while retracting landing gear and flaps. The airspeed indicator showed large fluctuations, and directional control was difficult due to varying wind strength. On the late downwind leg, power symptoms subsided but severe turbulence continued. The pilot decided to continue to Stapleford, about 10 minutes flying time away in good weather.
Climbing out of Panshanger Air Traffic Zone, the pilot experienced difficulty controlling the aircraft and noted recurrence of power/pitch fluctuations. Difficulty reading instruments was also reported. Sensing a further reduction in power, the pilot feared a complete loss and began searching for a forced landing site. After about 15 seconds, the engine stopped completely. The pilot transitioned to a trimmed glide and transmitted a MAYDAY call while descending towards a preselected field. Landing gear was extended, but flaps were not deployed due to power lines near the touchdown point.
After touchdown, the pilot realized the aircraft would not stop before reaching a hedge at the field's far end. Deciding against attempting to turn, the pilot struck the hedge at a right angle. The aircraft passed through the hedge, down a shallow ravine, and as it rolled up the opposite side, the nose landing gear collapsed. The aircraft came to rest at a right angle to its direction of travel.
Aftermath
The pilot shut down the aircraft and vacated it. Police and the farm owner arrived minutes later. The aircraft sustained damage to the nosewheel, main landing gear, inboard section of the left wing, and the belly strobe light. The pilot was uninjured.
The pilot commented that controlling the aircraft in challenging weather had absorbed most of his concentration, and when the engine stopped, he was unable to diagnose the cause. He does not rule out the possibility of an incorrect selection of the fuel selector valve.