What happened
On 17 December 2003, a Rutan Varieze, registration G-BEZE, was performing a private flight from Duxford to Southend. The diversion was necessitated by the closure of the runway at the original destination. During the descent from 2,300 feet to 1,000 feet, the pilot reapplied cruise power; however, approximately twenty seconds later, the single Continental O-200-A engine failed unexpectedly.
In an attempt to restore power, the pilot switched to the alternative fuel tank, applied carburettor heat, and cycled the magnetos, but the engine failed to restart. The pilot established the best glide speed and identified a suitable field for a forced landing. Upon touchdown, the moist clay surface caused the rear landing gear to detach from the airframe. The left wing subsequently struck the ground and separated, causing the aircraft to rotate longitudinally and come to rest in an inverted position.
Despite the impact, the cockpit remained intact, though much of the canopy disintegrated. The pilot, who sustained minor injuries, was trapped inside the cockpit as the airframe became partially buried in the soft earth. The pilot had to dig into the soil to create an exit, eventually being assisted by a rescuer who lifted the front of the aircraft to facilitate an evacuation.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the engine failure and the subsequent impact. While the specific reason for the engine loss could not be definitively determined, the investigation reviewed the meteorological conditions at the time of the incident. The weather was reported as CAVOK with a temperature of +9ºC and a dewpoint of +3ºC.
Findings
- The investigation could not establish the exact cause of the engine failure.
- Carburettor icing was identified as a potential contributing factor, as the prevailing temperature and dewpoint conditions were consistent with the risk of serious icing, even with the application of carburettor heat.
- The soft, moist clay surface of the landing site contributed to the structural failure of the landing gear and the subsequent inversion of the aircraft.