AAIB investigation to Piper PA-28-161 Cadet, G-BXJJ

Loss of engine power and forced landing, near White Waltham Aerodrome, 17 October 2014.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 9 January 2015

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 17 October 2014
• Aircraft type: Piper PA-28-161 Cadet
• Location: Near White Waltham Aerodrome, Maidenhead, Berkshire
• Registration: G-BXJJ

Summary:

Whilst the aircraft was engaged in a circuit training flight, the engine suffered a loss of power on base leg. The instructor took control and carried out a forced landing. As the aircraft descended, power cables were spotted on the approach path and in avoiding them the aircraft landed short of the intended field and collided with a hedge. The aircraft was severely damaged in the collision. In the absence of any mechanical defects, carburettor icing is considered to be the most likely cause of the power loss, given the number of risk factors present on the day.

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Piper PA-28-161 Cadet G-BXJJ 01-15

Published 9 January 2015