What happened
On 16 July 2013, a Van's RV-7A, registered ZU-FVY, was performing a private flight from Tedderfield aerodrome to Baragontah aerodrome. After completing one touch-and-go on runway 31, the pilot began a right-hand base leg for a second attempt. At an altitude of approximately 500 feet, the engine suddenly ceased operation.
With the engine dead, the pilot initiated an emergency forced landing into an open grass field. Although the pilot attempted to restart the engine by switching fuel tanks and activating the electric pump, the high rate of descent prevented a successful recovery. Upon touchdown, the aircraft's nose gear collapsed due to the rough, uneven terrain, causing the plane to nose over and come to rest in an inverted position. The pilot sustained minor injuries, including lacerations to the head and leg. Because the aircraft was upside down, the canopy could not be slid open; the pilot had to use a portable fire extinguisher to break the plexiglass to escape the wreckage.