AAIB investigation to GY201 Amateur Built, G-BEBR
Stalled close to the ground during a forced landing, Lower Durston, Somerset, 26 May 2021.
Summary:
The pilot had recently acquired the aircraft and planned to carry out two circuits from a farm strip using various flap settings. While on the downwind leg, at about 400 ft agl, the engine started to misfire and did not produce sufficient power to enable him to land back on the strip. He therefore initiated a field landing and as he approached the field from the east his vision was impaired by the setting sun. He reported that he attempted to select full flap but found the flap handle jammed. He then “inadvertently” pulled back on the control column which resulted in the aircraft stalling near to the ground and landing heavily. The wing and landing gear were damaged during the impact and the pilot sustained injuries. Although he was able to exit the aircraft himself, his injuries required hospitalisation.
The pilot confirmed that there was sufficient fuel on the aircraft but did not know what caused the misfire and loss of power. He also reported that during his examination of the aircraft after the accident, a plastic flashlight was found within the port wing “jammed in the flap and aileron mechanism”.
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