AAIB investigation to Spitfire IXT, G-BMSB, 3 May 2025
Loss of engine power and forced landing, near Hythe, Kent, 3 May 2025
The aircraft had been flying for about 35 minutes when the pilot noticed a slight engine vibration. This was rapidly followed by a power loss. The pilot noted a distinct smell of fuel in the cockpit and suspected a fuel problem. He briefed his passenger and established a stable glide descent to carry out a wheels-up forced landing in a field. The aircraft landed on its underside and came to a stop (Figure 1). The passenger suffered minor injuries and the pilot was uninjured.
The power loss was caused by the failure, probably age related, of a gasket, fitted within the pressure switch for the fuel low pressure warning light, which is attached to the carburettor. This allowed pressurised fuel to spray into the lower rear part of the engine bay, above and into, the air filter box. The fuel was then drawn into the air flow affecting the fuel air mixture, so the engine was running extremely rich. This resulted in the engine vibration and subsequent power loss.
In response to this occurrence, the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) published a safety notice relating to airworthiness considerations for ageing fuel and hydraulic system components.
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