What happened
On 15 April 2001, a Rans S6-116, registration G-BXBN, was conducting a private local flight departing from North Coates airfield. The flight proceeded without incident until the aircraft reached the downwind leg for Runway 06 at an altitude of approximately 500 feet. At this stage, the engine began to cough before losing all power.
Unable to maintain flight, the pilot performed an emergency landing in a nearby ploughed field. The impact caused the aircraft to come to rest in an inverted position. The pilot sustained minor injuries but was able to exit the wreckage without assistance.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the engine failure and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. Upon recovery of the aircraft, the engine was found to rotate freely, suggesting that no mechanical seizure had occurred.
Meteorological data from the Met Office indicated that surface temperatures were +7°C with a dewpoint of +02°C, resulting in a relative humidity of 71%. These atmospheric conditions were consistent with the potential for significant ice formation within the fuel system.