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.

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.

Download report:

Skystar Kitfox Mk 7, G-FBCY 03-19

Download glossary of abbreviations:

Glossary of abbreviations

Published 14 March 2019