AAIB investigation to Zenair CH 601HDS, G-CHZS
Hard landing after engine failure, Tatenhill Airfield, Staffordshire, 22 April 2025
On 22 April 2025, G-CHZS suffered an engine failure while returning to Tatenhill Airfield, Staffordshire. The pilot declared a MAYDAY and attempted to glide to the airfield but, unable to reach the intended runway, carried out a forced landing on a closer runway. The aircraft landed heavily and was damaged beyond economical repair. Neither occupant was injured.
The investigation found significant contamination within the fuel system, including debris in the fuel tank and filters, and the absence of a gascolator filter screen. Faults with the left carburettor would have further degraded engine performance. The engine failure was probably caused by restricted fuel flow due to contamination, combined with carburettor inefficiency. Pre-flight fuel drain checks were not conducted, and the contamination was not detected prior to flight.
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