What happened
On 3 October 1998, a Team Minimax 91, registration G-MWZM, was conducting a flight to revalidate its Permit to Fly. The aircraft was performing a series of required test elements and was in the process of returning to the Charmy Down airstrip in Avon.
While flying downwind at approximately 300 feet above ground level, positioned near the midpoint of the 250-yard runway, the engine ceased operation abruptly. Although the pilot was positioned to perform a forced landing on the strip, the aircraft experienced an unexpected loss of altitude during the final approach. This descent caused the aircraft to strike the airfield boundary fence.
There were no injuries to the pilot, though the aircraft sustained severe damage to the engine, wings, fuselage, and landing gear.
The investigation
Investigators examined the circumstances surrounding the engine failure and the subsequent impact. Following the accident, the engine was found to be able to rotate freely, but damage to the carburettor prevented any further engine testing.
During the flight, the pilot had applied carburettor heat, as the engine had been running more smoothly with the heat applied. Given the ambient weather conditions, the possibility of carburettor icing was considered. The investigation also looked into potential malfunctions within the engine magnetos.
Findings
- The engine stopped suddenly while the aircraft was on final approach.
- An unexpected sink during the approach led to the collision with the boundary fence.
- Carburettor icing or issues with the engine magnetos are considered possible causes for the engine stoppage, though no definitive cause was established during the initial investigation.