What happened
On 25 March 2007, a Piper PA-32-300, registration G-BAXJ, was performing aerial work involving a parachute drop at Old Buckenham Airfield, Norfolk. While descending toward Runway 07, the pilot performed the standard approach and landing checks. At approximately 500 feet, the pilot attempted to increase throttle but discovered the engine was non-responsive.
Upon realizing the engine had failed, the pilot attempted to switch fuel sources, but the power loss persisted. Realizing the aircraft lacked the altitude to reach the runway, the pilot opted to land in a field located before the threshold of the runway. During the maneuver, the aircraft cleared a ditch in the field, but due to low airspeed, the aircraft struck the ground heavily on the opposite side of the ditch. The aircraft landed on heavy clay soil, causing the landing gear to collapse and resulting in substantial damage to the wings, fuselage, and propeller.
The investigation
Following the incident, the airfield's fire crew attended the scene; no fire was reported. An inspection of the aircraft's fuel system revealed that both wing tanks contained fuel, though the total volume of approximately 30 litres was low enough to necessitate refueling before any subsequent flight.
An engineering examination conducted by an insurance loss adjuster confirmed that the engine contained sufficient oil and was capable of rotation. The inspection found no evidence of a major mechanical breakdown or significant oil loss. Furthermore, investigators determined that the engine's fuel injection system would not have been susceptible to icing under the prevailing weather conditions.