AAIB investigation to Just Superstol, G-SSTL
Engine power loss and forced landing, Near Romsey, Hampshire, 4 July 2024
The aircraft Permit to Fly had recently been revalidated after a period of non-flying and following various general husbandry tasks which included the replacement of the fuel system pipes.
The pilot had started the aircraft and taken time to bring the engine oil temperature to the correct limit before taxi and brake testing on the runway. He then took off with the intention of carrying out a couple of circuits before embarking on a short local flight. Soon after becoming airborne the engine appeared to lose power. A few seconds later it picked up and then again lost power. The pilot decided to carry out a forced landing in a field 45° to the left of the runway. As the aircraft touched down it rolled into a ditch and through a hedge. The pilot was injured, and the aircraft was severely damaged. The exact cause of the loss of power could not be determined but may have been due to a combination of fuel system installation features which did not fully conform to the aircraft and engine bay fuel system installation advice in the build manual or system recommendations more recently published in Rotax Service Bulletin 912-079-R1 (Appendix A).
Download report:
Download glossary of abbreviations: