What happened
On 26 April 2008, a Rans S6-ESD Coyote II, registration G-MYLW, was conducting a private flight from Priory Farm Airfield in Norfolk. Following a standard pre-flight inspection and engine warm-up, the pilot commenced the takeoff. Approximately 8 to 9 minutes after the engine had been started, the aircraft reached an altitude of about 100 ft during the climb-out phase when the engine began to falter. This was quickly followed by a total loss of engine power.
With limited altitude, airspeed, and time available, the pilot attempted to maneuver the aircraft away from the hangars and parked aircraft located in the runway overshoot area. The pilot initiated a flare maneuver; however, the aircraft subsequently struck the ground in a field adjacent to the side of the runway. The impact caused damage to the nose landing gear and the underside of the fuselage. There were no injuries to the pilot.
The investigation
Investigators examined the engine through the manufacturer's UK agent. A limited inspection of the pistons and cylinders was performed, which showed no signs of a cold seizure. Subsequent testing on a test stand demonstrated that the engine started and ran successfully.
Meteorological data from an aftercast was also reviewed. The weather conditions at the time of the accident indicated a possibility of moderate carburettor icing at cruise power settings and a risk of serious icing during descent power settings, based on the temperature and humidity levels recorded in the area.