North American P-51D-20, G-BIXL, 17 July 2004

• From: Air Accidents Investigation Branch
• Published: 10 December 2014

• Category: Commercial - fixed wing
• Report type: Bulletin - Correspondence investigation
• Date of occurrence: 17 July 2004
• Aircraft type: North American P-51D-20
• Location: East Garston, near Hungerford, Berkshire
• Registration: G-BIXL

North American P-51D-20, G-BIXL

Summary:

The aircraft had just finished some low level aerobatics and was climbing away when the engine cut out. Despite switching fuel tanks the pilot was unable to regain power and so he carried out a forced landing in a field. The cause of the engine cut out is not known, but is thought to be due to fuel starvation. The fuel level in the tank in use at the time of the cut out was relatively low and it is possible that fuel sloshing, caused by an un-coordinated manoeuvre, caused the tank outlet to become uncovered allowing air to enter the fuel lines.

Download report:

G-BIXL-4-05.pdf (25.15 kb)

Published 10 December 2014