What happened
On 14 December 2009, a Rand KR-2, registration G-DGWW, was conducting a private flight near Beeston Castle, Tarporlely, Cheshire. The pilot, who was flying this specific aircraft type for the first time, had recently departed from Liverpool (John Lennon) Airport. The flight was intended to assess the aircraft's handling characteristics.
During the flight, the pilot performed low-speed manoeuvres at a low power setting. While testing the carburettor heat, the engine experienced a momentary stoppage. Although the pilot managed to restart the engine and climb back to 1,300 feet, a second engine failure occurred shortly after. Despite the application of carburettor heat and adjustments to the fuel mixture, the engine ran rough and eventually ceased functioning at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet.
Recognising the need for an immediate forced landing, the pilot selected a field. During the approach, the aircraft struck the tops of a row of trees, causing it to pitch over and crash-land in an inverted position. The aircraft sustained extensive damage.
The investigation
The investigation established that the weather conditions at the time presented a serious risk of carburettor icing, with temperatures around +3ºC and 80% humidity. The pilot had been briefed by the aircraft owner regarding previous instances of icing during flight.
While the aircraft's structure was heavily damaged, the pilot escaped with minor injuries. This was attributed to the use of a four-point harness and specific structural reinforcements added to the area behind the cockpit during the aircraft's construction. No detailed mechanical examination of the engine or its systems was performed.