What happened
On 17 October 2008, a Piper PA-38-112 Tomahawk, registration G-BOLF, was conducting a private navigation flight near the North Yorkshire Moors. After departing Durham Tees Valley Airport, the pilot climbed to 1,500 ft and turned south-east. During the flight, the aircraft experienced a sudden loss of engine power. The pilot broadcast a MAYDAY call and attempted to ditch the aircraft in the sea near Robin Hood’s Bay.
Witnesses observed the aircraft flying low over the water. As the aircraft approached the surface, it stalled, causing the right wing to strike the water. This impact caused the aircraft to cartwheel and invert before sinking. Although the pilot survived the initial impact, he was not wearing a life jacket and subsequently drowned. The aircraft was recovered from the seabed later that evening.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the engine components. The propeller showed evidence that the engine was still producing power at the moment of impact. Examination of the fuel system revealed that the engine-driven mechanical fuel pump was stuck in an unusual position due to a bent central spindle. While the investigation could not definitively prove the fuel pump caused the power loss, the possibility of carburettor icing could not be excluded, as atmospheric conditions were highly conducive to icing at the flight altitude.
Findings
- The aircraft suffered a loss of engine power during the flight.
- The pilot was not wearing a life jacket, which contributed to the fatal outcome.
- The nearest land was positioned behind the aircraft and obscured by the wing, making a forced landing on land difficult to execute during the emergency.
- The mechanical fuel pump mechanism showed evidence of stiction and a bent spindle, though the exact cause of the spindle deformation remained undetermined.
- Atmospheric conditions at the time of the accident were consistent with a high risk of serious carburettor icing.