What happened
On 9 August 2009, a Rebel aircraft, registration G-CCPK, departed from Shobdon for a flight to Sleap, later intending to continue to Droppingwells Farm. During the initial climb, reaching an altitude of approximately 1,100 ft, the engine ceased operation. The pilot attempted to restart the engine after checking the fuel supply, but the failure persisted.
Seeking a suitable site for a forced landing, the pilot identified a cornfield to the west of the airstrip. However, because the field featured a downward slope, the aircraft remained airborne longer than anticipated. While attempting to maneuver, the pilot had to avoid a railway embankment, which necessitated a turn that prevented the aircraft from returning to a wings-level attitude. Consequently, the right wingtip and landing gear struck the ground, causing the aircraft to rock onto its left wingtip before coming to a halt. There were no injuries to the two occupants.
The investigation
The investigation examined the mechanical state of the aircraft and the environmental conditions at the time of the accident. The aircraft sustained damage to the landing gear, wingtips, lower fuselage, and the carburettor, which became detached from the engine. Although the engine had been running at high power during takeoff, investigators considered the possibility of heat-soak affecting the fuel lines, potentially leading to vapour lock. Additionally, atmospheric data regarding temperature and dew point suggested that the conditions were on the boundary of serious carburettor icing probability.
Findings
- The engine stopped at 1,100 ft during the climb.
- The downward slope of the chosen landing site prevented a controlled touchdown.
- A maneuver to avoid a railway embankment led to the wingtip and landing gear contacting the ground.
- Carburettor icing or vapour lock were identified as potential contributing factors to the loss of power.