What happened
On 11 July 2003, a Southdown International Raven X, registration G-MNJT, was conducting a private flight from Ilfracombe, Devon, to St Albans, Hertfordshire. Following a standard pre-flight inspection and a successful engine warm-up, the pilot departed the airfield. The flight proceeded normally for approximately 20 miles at an altitude of 1,800 feet, with the engine operating at 5,900 RPM.
Without any preceding warning or irregular engine sounds, the engine ceased operation abruptly. The pilot attempted to restart the engine twice using the manual pull starter, but both attempts failed. While the pilot initially identified a stubble field as a viable landing site, the aircraft lost altitude more rapidly than expected. As the aircraft approached the target field, the pilot realized the aircraft would likely strike an upwind boundary hedge, risking an inverted impact. To avoid this, the pilot opted to steer the aircraft into a nearby copse of trees.
The aircraft collided with the trees and fell through the branches to the ground, resulting in extensive damage to the airframe. The pilot sustained one serious injury and was rescued from the wreckage by an air ambulance.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sudden loss of power and the subsequent flight path during the forced landing. Investigators noted that a significant amount of fuel remained in the aircraft's tanks following the impact. While the pilot had experience managing similar engine-out emergencies in the past, the terrain over Exmoor presented significant challenges due to the steep, wooded hills and valleys.
Findings
- The engine stopped suddenly without any prior indication of malfunction or rough running.
- The pilot's decision to abandon the primary landing site was driven by the risk of the landing gear catching a hedge and flipping the aircraft.
- The specific cause of the sudden engine stoppage could not be determined as a significant quantity of fuel remained on board and no clear mechanical failure was identified.