What happened
On 5 July 2012, a Slepcev Storch, registration G-BZOB, was conducting a private flight from Warrington Airfield. The flight included the pilot and one passenger. Upon arriving at Manchester Barton Airport, the aircraft landed in a field containing a standing barley crop. While the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, exhaust, and main landing gear during this initial landing, the occupants remained uninjured and the aircraft stayed upright. Following a 40-minute period on the ground, the pilot decided to depart for a return flight to Warrington. During the subsequent takeoff from Barton, the engine began to misfire. This malfunction persisted for approximately 30 to 40 seconds before the engine ceased operation entirely, forcing the pilot to perform an emergency landing in a nearby field.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The pilot noted that prior to the second takeoff, the fuel tank selection had been changed at Barton, and he had initially suspected the engine issues were related to fuel supply. The investigation examined the sequence of events from the initial landing in the barley field through to the engine failure during the departure from Manchester Barton Airport.