What happened
On 26 June 2005, a Rans S6-ESD, registration G-MWTT, was conducting a private flight near Insch, Aberdeenshire. The aircraft, powered by a single Rotax 503 piston engine, was carrying one pilot and one passenger. Prior to the accident, the aircraft had completed two previous flights that day, both lasting approximately one hour. Following these flights, the aircraft was refuelled with three gallons of unleaded MOGAS.
During the third flight, the aircraft climbed normally after takeoff. However, upon reaching an altitude of approximately 300 feet, the engine experienced an uncommanded reduction in power accompanied by a gentle rightward turn. The pilot attempted to restore power by adjusting the throttle, but the engine subsequently stopped. The pilot performed a forced landing in a field of long grass. While the occupants escaped without injury, the aircraft sustained damage to the right wing and the nose landing gear collapsed upon touchdown.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the accident report submitted by the pilot and subsequent telephone enquiries. Investigators examined the engine and fuel systems following the event. Post-accident inspections revealed that the propeller was free to rotate and that fuel was present in the float chambers of both carburettors. Additionally, the fuel filters were found to be clean.
Findings
- The weather conditions at the time of the accident included a 5-knot wind from 135 degrees, good visibility, and a temperature of 19°C.
- According to the carburettor icing prediction chart, the aircraft was operating in an area characterized by moderate icing at cruise power and serious icing at descent power.