What happened
On 8 June 2013, a Tri Kis, registration G-BVZD, was engaged in a private flight departing from Fife Airport, Scotland. After a successful takeoff, the pilot climbed to 1,600 feet amsl. While waiting for transit clearance from Edinburgh ATC, the pilot altered the flight path to head north and then east to cross the Forth river.
During the climb, the pilot briefly leaned the engine mixture and then returned it to full rich. After monitoring the engine temperatures and pressures, the pilot advanced the throttle to attempt a climb. At this moment, the engine suffered an immediate loss of power, though the propeller continued to windmill.
As the pilot searched for a suitable landing site, many nearby fields were deemed unusable due to boundary walls, houses, or overhead power cables. The pilot eventually identified a crop field and initiated a forced landing. Upon touchdown, the nosewheel dug into the earth and collapsed, causing the aircraft to flip onto its back. The pilot, who was wearing a four-to harness, was trapped when the canopy collapsed. Emergency services extracted the pilot, who sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the sequence of events leading to the engine failure and the circumstances of the landing. Investigators examined the aircraft's condition and the pilot's actions regarding the engine mixture and throttle application. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft was destroyed in the accident.