What happened
On 4 July 1999, a Rans S6 Coyote II, registration G-MWRK, was engaged in a private flight from Breighton Airfield. The pilot had intended to meet another aircraft at Bagby Airfield. Following takeoff from Breighton, the aircraft was observed by witnesses flying near Seaton Ross at approximately 1,000 feet.
As the flight progressed toward the north of Huby, an observer noted unusual engine noise, characterized by fluctuations in RPM that suggested the engine was experiencing fuel starvation. Shortly after 1355 hrs, a witness near Easingwold observed the aircraft flying at an extremely low altitude, roughly 20 to 30 feet above buildings. The witness noted the wings were rocking and that the engine noise suddenly ceased as the aircraft turned right and descended. A moment later, a loud impact was heard.
The aircraft struck a field near the boundary fence in a nose-down attitude. The impact was severe enough that the nose of the aircraft was bent upwards by 45 degrees. The pilot sustained serious multiple injuries and was trapped in the wreckage until emergency services arrived. The aircraft was destroyed in the crash.
The investigation
Investigators examined the wreckage and the engine, which was a Rotax 503 piston engine. Analysis of the fuel system showed that approximately six gallons of fuel remained in the tank, and no blockages or restrictions were found in the airframe-mounted components. While one propeller blade was broken, the other remained undamaged, suggesting the engine was not producing significant power at the moment of impact.
Data from a marine-use GPS found in the cockpit helped reconstruct the flight path. The device showed the aircraft tracking northeast toward Stillington before turning northwest around the northern edge of Easingwold. The final recorded position was very close to the accident site.
Findings
- The aircraft was attempting to land in a field that was unsuitable due to its rough surface and the presence of trees and buildings.
- The aircraft had stalled at a low height and airspeed.
- There was no identifiable mechanical cause for the loss of power, as the engine, magnetos, and carburetors were found to be in an operable state and the fuel system was unobstructed.