History of the Flight
On 25 March 2007, at 1325 hrs, a Piper PA-32-300 (registration G-BAXJ) was conducting an aerial work flight involving a parachute drop at Old Buckenham Airfield, Norfolk. After the drop, the pilot commenced a descent to land on Runway 07. The approach and landing checks were completed. At approximately 500 ft, the pilot applied a small throttle increase and became aware that the engine was not responding and had failed. The pilot changed fuel tanks and checked that the auxiliary pumps were still selected ON, as part of the approach and landing checks, but there was no response from the engine. He retracted the first stage of flap and considered landing on the runway, but realised insufficient height remained. He elected to land in an undershoot field. The intended touch-down area was crossed by a ditch. The pilot raised the aircraft's nose and cleared the ditch, but due to low airspeed, the aircraft impacted the ground heavily on the other side. The ground was heavy clay-type soil, and the aircraft came to a halt rapidly, collapsing all three landing gear legs.
Injuries and Damage
The pilot was uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage: landing gear destroyed, propeller blades bent, and damage to the wings and fuselage.
Post-Accident Actions
The accident site was quickly attended by the airfield's fire crew, but there was no fire. The pilot asked the fire crew to check the aircraft's fuel state; they found fuel present in both wing tanks. The fuel state was low, requiring refuelling before the next flight. The pilot estimated a total of approximately 30 litres in the two tanks. The pilot reported no prior indication of engine failure during descent or approach, such as coughing or spluttering.
Engineering Examination
During recovery, an engineer noted fuel present in both tanks, oil in the engine, and that the engine appeared free to rotate. An insurance loss adjustor inspected the aircraft days later and confirmed fuel in both tanks, oil in the engine, and that the engine was free to turn. No evidence of a major mechanical failure or major oil loss was found. The cause of the loss of power was not apparent.
Icing Considerations
The engine was fitted with a fuel injection system which, for the weather conditions on the day, would not have been affected by icing.