AAIB investigation to Pioneer 300, G-CGTL
Loss of engine power and wheels-up forced landing, near Abergavenny Airfield, Gwent, 25 May 2020.
Summary:
The aircraft was on its first flight after maintenance when an electrical current audio warning was announced during the climb, followed shortly thereafter by a loss of engine power. The electrically-operated landing gear did not extend when selected and there was insufficient time for the pilot to extend the landing gear manually. He performed a successful wheels-up forced landing in a field.
The aircraft was not examined by the AAIB. Given the weather conditions on the day and the use of Mogas fuel, the investigation considered vapour lock in the fuel system as a potential cause of the loss of engine power.
The electrical current problem may have been exacerbated by the loss of engine power. This, in isolation or in combination with landing gear system adjustment issues, could account for the failure of the landing gear to extend when selected.
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