AAIB investigation to Mainair Rapier, G-MZNU
Engine failure and forced landing, Lansil Golf Course, 22 June 2014.
Summary:
While flying in the cruise at a height of 2,000 ft the engine began to run rough and then stopped. The pilot carried out a forced landing in a field of wheat during which the aircraft decelerated rapidly and rolled forward onto its side. The pilot and passenger, who both sustained minor injuries, exited the aircraft unassisted.
The pilot reported that following the accident the fuel filter was found to be blocked with very fine silt. Silt was also found in the bottom of the metal fuel container that had been used to refuel the aircraft. In addition, corrosion products from the inside of this container, that had started to deteriorate, may have contaminated the fuel. When refuelling the aircraft the fuel was normally poured through a strainer but it is believed that the size of the mesh in the strainer was not sufficient to catch the debris.
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