What happened
On 12 January 2013, a Taylor Monoplane, registration G-BDAD, was conducting a private flight near Breighton Airfield, North Yorkshire. Following takeoff from Runway 11, the aircraft's engine operated normally, including periods where the pilot applied carburettor heat. Approximately 25 minutes into the flight, the pilot performed a low-level pass along the runway at an altitude of roughly 400 ft. During the climb-out phase, while maintaining full power and an airspeed of approximately 60 kt, the engine experienced a brief misfire and subsequently ceased operation.
In response to the engine failure, the pilot selected a ploughed field ahead and executed a forced landing into the wind. While the touchdown in the field was uneventful, the aircraft pitched nose-down as it came to a halt and overturned. The impact caused damage to the canopy. The pilot, secured by a full harness, managed to exit the aircraft by breaking pieces of the remaining canopy and digging an escape route.
The investigation
An investigation was conducted following the submission of an aircraft accident report by the pilot. The pilot reported no injuries during the event. Upon the recovery of the aircraft, the engine was inspected and could be turned by hand. The engine had functioned correctly until the moment of the stoppage. Based on the flight characteristics and the pilot's observations, the loss of power was attributed to carburettor icing.