What happened
On 6 May 2008, a Streak Shadow, registration G-CZBE, was conducting a private flight from Charterhall in Berwickshire to Old Sarum in Wiltshire. The flight plan included a potential stop at either Sherburn or Retford. While traversing the sector toward Retford, the aircraft's engine ceased operation at an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet.
The pilot, observing the engine failure, identified a grass field near Hayton, Nottinghamshire, for a forced landing. However, during the approach, the pilot identified that the chosen field sloped downhill toward buildings at the far end. In an attempt to avoid these structures, the pilot initiated a low-level 180-degree turn. During this maneuver, the aircraft landed heavily in an adjacent field containing a standing rape crop, causing damage to the wings and landing gear. The pilot sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
Investigators examined the fuel management and flight planning of the mission. The pilot reported that both fuel tanks were full at the start of the flight. While the pilot had extensive experience in other Streak Shadow aircraft, this was his first flight in G-CZBE. The investigation established that the pilot noticed the lower fuel tank was depleted while the main tank still contained one-third of its capacity. Shortly thereafter, approximately 10 nautical miles from Retford, the engine stopped as the lower tank became empty.
Findings
- The engine failure was caused by fuel starvation.
- The pilot's fuel planning error was attributed to differences in fuel consumption rates between the aircraft model the pilot was accustomed to and the specific engine and propeller combination installed on G-CZBE.
- A strong headwind encountered during the flight further impacted the expected fuel reserves.