What happened
On 7 October 2010, a Zenair CH 701UL, registration G-EOIN, was performing a private flight from a farm strip located at Easter Nether Cabra, Fetterangus, Aberdeenshire. The aircraft departed from the north-easterly runway, turning right to climb downwind towards the south-west. During the climb, at an altitude of approximately 400 feet, the engine suffered a near-total loss of power.
In response to the engine failure, the pilot initiated a descending turn to the right, crossing back over the runway. The intention was to execute a landing in a freshly cultivated field located ahead. While the pilot attempted a rapid round-out, the aircraft entered a steep glide with a high rate of descent. The aircraft struck the ground heavily, coming to an abrupt stop after hitting the upslope of a deep hollow. The impact caused extensive damage to the landing gear, engine mount, cabin floor, and rudder pedals.
The investigation
Following the accident, the pilot conducted an initial inspection of the engine and found no immediate mechanical failures. The pilot also noted that while the aircraft lacked a carburettor heat control, there were no preceding symptoms of icing, and ambient humidity levels were not high enough to suggest such an issue. However, detailed subsequent testing determined that both ignition circuits had failed.
Findings
- The primary cause of the power loss was an ignition system failure involving both circuits.
- The aircraft struck the upslope of a hollow that was not visible from the air during the flight.
- The soft ground at the impact site contributed to the aircraft's rapid deceleration.