What happened
On 7 March 2006, a Reims Cessna F182Q Skylane, registration G-GCYC, was conducting a private flight from Dundee to Manchester. While flying at 4,000 ft approximately 19 miles south of St Abbs Head, the engine began to run roughly and lost power. The pilot requested a diversion to Newcastle but subsequently determined that reaching that location was not possible, requesting assistance to find a suitable alternative landing site.
Air traffic controllers at Newcastle provided guidance. While the controller at RAD 1 initially considered Millfield airfield, the presence of low cloud layers and the difficulty of locating a small grass strip at dusk led to the decision to divert to Eshott. To assist the landing, the airfield manager at Eshott positioned a vehicle near the runway with headlamps and hazard lights activated. The pilot successfully executed an emergency landing at the site, though the aircraft struck a small barbed-wire fence during the maneuver. The incident resulted in no fatalities and no injuries, though the aircraft sustained minor damage to the propeller, engine cowling, undercarriage leg fairings, and tailplane.
The investigation
Investigators examined the aircraft's engine and the meteorological conditions present during the flight. A subsequent engine test, conducted using an auxiliary fuel tank to supply the carburettor, showed no mechanical faults. The investigation also reviewed the high humidity levels and temperature profiles in the region at the time of the occurrence.
Findings
- The engine experienced a progressive build-up of ice in the carburettor throat, causing the loss of engine power.
- High humidity levels (95% to 100%) and ambient temperatures were conducive to serious carburettor icing.
- The challenging flight conditions may have distracted the pilot from the necessary use of carburettor heat control.