What happened
On 15 February 1998, a Quad City Challenger II UK microlight, registration G-MYXV, was conducting a private flight from Bewdley Farm Airstrip to Shobdon Aerodrome. During the approach to the Southside Runway, the pilot descended from 2,000 feet, eventually joining the downwind leg at 500 feet. While attempting to advance the throttle to level off the descent, the Rotax 503 engine failed to respond and subsequently stopped.
Following the loss of power, the pilot notified Shobdon Radio and attempted to maintain a glide. However, the aircraft was unable to reach the runway and instead struck a ploughed field approximately 30 metres short of the threshold. The impact with the soft ground caused the main landing gear legs to fracture. The pilot, who was wearing a four-point harness, sustained no injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances of the engine failure and the aircraft's flight profile. An eyewitness, a flying instructor approaching the same runway, observed the aircraft making a direct approach without completing a standard circuit.
Meteorological data indicated a south-westerly airstream with visibility of 10 km and a surface wind of 5 kt. The pilot noted that the engine had been running at a low idle speed of approximately 1,500 RPM, which was below the recommended 2,000 RPM. Notably, the engine restarted without difficulty 45 minutes after the accident. Subsequent testing of the aircraft, following repairs to the landing gear, showed no further operational issues when the engine idle speed was correctly adjusted to 2,200 RPM.
Findings
- The engine failed when the pilot attempted to increase power during the final approach.
- Possible carburettor icing was identified as a potential cause for the engine's failure to respond to throttle input.
- The engine idle speed may have been set too low, contributing to the loss of power during the transition from idle to power.