Fatal Stall and Dive of Microlight Following Engine Falter

Casualties unknown • Redhill Aerodrome, Surrey, GB

A pilot was killed when a Rans S6-ESD aircraft experienced a sudden loss of power during a climbing turn at Redhill Aerodrome.

What happened

On 28 August 2013, a Rans S6-ESD (registration G-MYSP) was performing visual circuits at Redhill Aerodrome. The flight began with a successful first circuit, though the pilot's first touch-and-go landing was notably firm, resulting in a bounce that may have caused the propeller to contact the runway.

During the subsequent climb following a second touch-and-go, the aircraft reached approximately 500 feet. At this altitude, witnesses observed the engine faltering, with the engine noise described as rapidly fluctuating. The aircraft failed to maintain airspeed in its climbing attitude, eventually stalling and entering a near-vertical dive. The aircraft struck the ground 280 metres from the end of the runway, resulting in the fatal injury of the pilot and the destruction of the aircraft.

The investigation

Investigators focused on the engine, fuel system, and gearbox following reports of irregular engine noise. Examination of the Rotax 5able-48 engine and its components revealed that the engine was rotating at the time of impact. The fuel system, including the fuel pump, filter, and supply lines, showed no signs of blockage or contamination, and the fuel recovered from the aircraft met the required MOGAS specifications.

While the engine's carburettor heating system was functional—making carburettor icing unlikely—the investigation could not definitively test the ignition leads, spark plugs, or capacitive discharge units due to damage sustained during the crash. The investigation also looked into the RK400 clutch assembly, which is designed to disengage if engine speeds drop below 2,400 rpm, though no evidence of clutch slippage was found.

Findings

  • The engine experienced a sudden and significant reduction in power at 500 feet.
  • The pilot did not lower the aircraft's nose following the power loss, which led to a stall.
  • The pilot's relative inexperience and the abruptness of the power loss likely prevented the necessary corrective actions from being taken.
  • There was insufficient altitude remaining to recover from the stall before ground impact.

Probable cause

The engine power loss was sudden and the definitive cause could not be determined; however, the pilot's failure to lower the nose following the engine falter led to a stall from which recovery was impossible at the low altitude.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-08-28 Rans S6-ESD (Modified), Coyote II accident near Redhill Aerodrome, Surrey, GB?

A pilot was killed when a Rans S6-ESD aircraft experienced a sudden loss of power during a climbing turn at Redhill Aerodrome.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-08-28 involved a Rans S6-ESD (Modified), Coyote II, registration G-MYSP, at Redhill Aerodrome, Surrey, GB.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The engine power loss was sudden and the definitive cause could not be determined; however, the pilot's failure to lower the nose following the engine falter led to a stall from which recovery was impossible at the low altitude.

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