What happened
On 18 December 2002, a Rand KR-2, registration G-BUDF, was conducting a private flight near Kemble Aerodrome. The aircraft had recently been acquired by a new owner who, having received a briefing from an engineer, intended to assess the aircraft's handling characteristics.
After approximately 40 minutes of uneventful flight at altitudes between 1,000 and 2,000 feet, the pilot contacted Kemble to announce an intention to join the right base leg for Runway 08. While attempting to climb from 800 feet to the circuit height of 1,000 feet, the engine failed. Despite the pilot's attempts to restore power using carburettor heat and throttle adjustments, the engine remained non-operational. The pilot declared a 'MAYDAY' and identified a suitable field for a forced landing.
During the approach to the field, the pilot noted that the propeller had ceased windmilling. Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced once and rolled on its main wheels. As the aircraft encountered deep ruts from tractor tires, it overturned onto its back. The aircraft sustained damage to the nose, propeller, cockpit, and vertical fin, but the pilot escaped the wreckage without injury.
The investigation
The investigation examined the engine's performance and the circumstances leading to the failure. It was noted that the pilot had been focused on evaluating the aircraft's handling and had not identified any specific warning signs prior to the loss of power. While the pilot had utilized carburettor heat, the effectiveness of this action was difficult to determine. Subsequent ground runs of the engine following the accident revealed no mechanical anomalies.