AAIB investigation to Skystar Kitfox Mk 7, G-FBCY

Failure of propeller pitch change mechanism leading to loss of engine thrust, field near Rugby, Warwickshire, 5 August 2018.

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 14 March 2019

• Category: General aviation - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 5 August 2018
• Aircraft type: Skystar Kitfox Mk 7
• Location: Field near Rugby, Warwickshire
• Registration: G-FBCY

Summary:

While returning to its home airstrip, the aircraft experienced a loss of engine thrust coincident with an uncommanded increase in engine speed. The pilot made a forced landing in a ploughed field during which the nosewheel collapsed, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. Subsequent examination of the propeller hub revealed that the threads on the lead screw within the propeller pitch-change mechanism had been stripped. This had caused the propeller blades to move to a very fine pitch setting, leading to the loss of thrust.

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Skystar Kitfox Mk 7, G-FBCY 03-19

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Published 14 March 2019