What happened
On 31 March 2014, a Vans RV-4, registration G-NADZ, was conducting a private flight at Tibenham Airfield in Norfolk. The pilot had completed an annual air test three days prior, but had only accumulated 45 minutes of flight time in the preceding five months.
After successfully completing an initial circuit and a full-stop landing, the pilot commenced a second circuit from Runway 08. Following a satisfactory engine power check, the aircraft took off and climbed to an altitude of between 100 and 150 feet. As the pilot retracted the flaps, the engine ceased operation, although the propeller continued to windmill.
Directly in the aircraft's path was a field of crops with furrows oriented at roughly 90 degrees to the runway. Fearing that landing in the field could cause the aircraft to flip and trap the pilot under the bubble canopy, the pilot initiated a left turn toward the airfield's grass area. During this maneuver, the aircraft struck the ground with a high sink rate, generating an 8 g impact. The aircraft bounced once before coming to a halt. The pilot sustained minor injuries consisting of extensive bruising.
The investigation
The investigation examined the aircraft's condition and the circumstances surrounding the engine failure. The aircraft sustained damage that rendered it beyond economic repair, including the mainwheels being pushed into the lower wing surfaces, damage to the engine and propeller, and creased fuselage skin. The pilot's flight experience was noted, with 596 total hours, 78 of which were on this specific type.
Findings
- The engine failure occurred during the climb phase of the second circuit.
- The pilot's decision to turn away from the crop field was motivated by the risk of the aircraft flipping and the potential for the pilot to become trapped due to the canopy design.
- The high sink rate during the landing caused significant structural damage to the Vans RV-4.