What happened
On 22 June 2005, a private flight involving a Rotax 582/48-2V microlight, registration G-CBOC, was operating between Blackhill, Draperstown, and the vicinity of Pomeroy, County Tyrone. During the flight, the aircraft descended to a low altitude near Crocknagaran, approximately 2 nautical miles north-east of Pomeroy. While performing an orbit of a private property, the pilot attempted to apply power, but the engine failed to respond, preventing the aircraft from climbing.
As the pilot commenced a second orbit, the aircraft's main landing gear struck trees located near the property. The pilot maintained control of the aircraft and performed an immediate landing in a nearby field. The impact caused the landing gear to collapse and the propeller to strike the ground, which subsequently stopped the engine. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries.
The investigation
Following the incident, the pilot submitted an aircraft accident report. The investigation established that the pilot had isolated both the fuel and electrical power following the landing. Emergency services attended the scene, and both occupants were transported to the hospital for treatment. The investigation noted that the pilot had 20 hours of total flying experience, with 10 of those hours being on this specific aircraft type.
Findings
- The engine failed to respond to power applications during the low-level orbit.
- The engine failure to respond led to the aircraft's inability to maintain altitude.
- The collapse of the landing gear and subsequent propeller contact with the surface were caused by the impact with trees during the emergency landing.