What happened
On 4 December 2008, an X-Air 582 microlight, registration G-BZUP, was conducting a training flight near Newtownards Airfield, Co. Down, when the engine ceased operation during the final approach. The flight was being conducted by an instructor accompanied by a student pilot.
As the aircraft was descending, the engine stopped abruptly at an altitude of approximately 300 feet. Realising that a glide to the runway was not possible, the instructor executed a sideslipping turn to the left to reach a field situated below and to the left of the approach path. During the landing, the right main wheel sank into waterlogged ground, causing the axle to shear. This impact caused the aircraft to pitch forward, resulting in the nosewheel fork shearing and damage to the propeller. Both occupants exited the aircraft without injury, and no fire occurred.
The investigation
Following the incident, the pilot attempted to siphon the remaining fuel from the tanks, finding only a minimal amount. A subsequent inspection of the aircraft by a British Microlight Aircraft Association inspector revealed an oily front air filter and the presence of small black particles within the bottom of the carburettor bowls, alongside evidence of aluminium corrosion.
Further examination of the fuel system showed that the fuel tanks contained similar contamination. The investigation also considered the possibility that the fuel level reading observed by the instructor during the flight might have been inaccurate due to fuel sloshing during a non-coordinated turn.