What happened
On 7 August 2006, a Rans S6-ESA, registration G-BSUT, was conducting a private flight from a farm strip near Nantwich toward Barton Aerodrome. While cruising at approximately 1,100 feet along the Manchester low-level route, the aircraft experienced a sudden drop in engine power of roughly 1,000 rpm. The pilot initially believed the fluctuation was caused by accidental contact with the throttle, but a second loss of power confirmed a genuine engine issue.
Following the power loss, the pilot declared a PAN call to Barton, intending to perform a precautionary landing at a private airfield near Warrington. During the turn toward the landing site, the pilot noted the potential for crosswind or tailwind components. As the aircraft approached the runway, the pilot attempted to sideslip to manage the descent, but these efforts were unsuccessful, leaving the aircraft high and fast on final approach.
Upon touchdown, the aircraft bounced heavily. A subsequent attempt to apply power failed, and the aircraft landed a second time on its nosewheel. This impact caused the nose landing gear to collapse. There were no injuries to the two occupants, though the aircraft sustained significant damage to the propeller, cowlings, landing gear, cockpit cage, engine bearers, gearbox, and fuselage skin.
The investigation
The AAIB examined the engine and fuel systems following the accident. A thorough strip examination of these components revealed no identifiable cause for the observed power fluctuations. The investigation also considered the pilot's maneuvers during the emergency approach and the aircraft's performance during the landing phase.