What happened
On 4 October 2013, a student pilot was conducting solo circuit practice in an X’air 133, registration G-CCGR, near Westonzablend Airfield in Somerset. The flight was being monitored from the ground by an instructor. Following an initial takeoff and landing, the pilot backtracked to Runway 22 to perform a second departure.
Conditions at the time were favorable, characterized by good weather and a light south-westerly breeze. The takeoff proceeded without issue; however, once the aircraft reached an altitude of approximately 300 feet and had cleared the airfield perimeter, the engine began to vibrate before failing completely. The pilot attempted to initiate an engine restart, but the engine failed to turn over. In response to the loss of power, the pilot shut off the fuel supply and electrical systems to prepare for an emergency descent, focusing on identifying a safe area for landing.
The investigation
The investigation was based on the aircraft accident report submitted by the pilot. The examination focused on the sequence of events leading from the engine vibration to the eventual touchdown in a grass field. The investigation noted that while the pilot successfully managed the forced landing, the aircraft encountered a small drainage ditch during the final meters of the landing roll. This impact resulted in damage to the landing gear and the underside of the fuselage. No injuries were reported following the incident.