What happened
On 5 February 2012, a Rans S6-ES Coyote II, registration G-CCJN, was performing a private flight from Eshott Airfield in Northumberland. Following standard pre-flight procedures and a successful engine run-up, the pilot commenced a takeoff from the grass strip of Runway 26. The flight was accompanied by one passenger.
During the initial climb, the aircraft's engine suddenly ceased operation while the plane was at an altitude of approximately 200 feet. In response to the loss of power, the pilot initiated a right-hand turn to return to the airfield, aiming for the tarmac of Runway 19. During this maneuver, the pilot attempted to restart the engine but was unable to do so.
As the aircraft approached the secondary runway, the pilot was forced to land with insufficient altitude and airspeed. The aircraft struck the ground in a low-nose attitude, preventing a proper flare. This heavy impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse underneath the forward fuselage and resulted in damage to the right main landing gear.
The investigation
The investigation examined the sequence of events following the engine failure and the subsequent landing. Investigators looked into the mechanical state of the engine and the pilot's decision-making during the emergency. While the specific reason for the engine stoppage was not confirmed at the time of the report, the pilot identified fuel starvation as a likely cause.
Findings
- The engine failure occurred at a critical phase of flight, immediately following takeoff.
- The pilot's ability to complete the turn-back and reach the runway was attributed to his experience and familiarity with the aircraft and the airfield layout.
- The landing was characterized by a lack of sufficient height and speed, leading to a heavy impact.
- There were no injuries to the pilot or the passenger, though the aircraft sustained damage to the nose leg, cockpit floor, and right main leg.