What happened
On 25 November 2013, a Reims Cessna FRA150L Aerobat, registration G-BCKU, was conducting a private flight over Kirkcudbrightshire. The pilot was performing a routine mission to inspect livestock on a local farm. While flying at an altitude of approximately 500 ft agl, the aircraft's engine ceased to function.
Faced with the loss of power, the pilot chose to perform a forced landing within a plantation consisting of mature Sitka Spruce trees. The impact resulted in the aircraft being damaged beyond economic repair. Despite the aircraft coming to rest in a vertical, nose-down position among the trees, the pilot escaped the wreckage without any injuries.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report form provided by the pilot. The inquiry focused on the circumstances surrounding the engine failure and the subsequent landing. The pilot noted that although standard operating procedures had been followed, he suspected that carburettor icing may have been the underlying cause of the power loss.