AAIB investigation to Pulsar XP, G-CKIS
Damage during forced landing following loss of power, field near Stoney Lane Airfield, Worcestershire, 8 June 2025
During a private flight, a recently purchased Pulsar XP (G-CKIS) suffered loss of engine power while joining the circuit at Stoney Lane Airfield. The pilot had collected the aircraft earlier that day and, following a short familiarisation flight, had departed for his home airfield.
While manoeuvring to join the circuit, the engine began to run roughly before stopping. Although it briefly restarted, it subsequently failed again and could not be restarted. The pilot carried out a forced landing but was unable to reach the runway, touching down in a field approximately 35 m short of the runway. The aircraft sustained significant damage, but the pilot was uninjured.
Recorded engine data showed a rapid and abnormal increase in fuel flow accompanied by a reduction in fuel pressure immediately prior to the engine stoppage. Post-accident examination identified multiple leaks within the fuel hose system, particularly at push-fit joints near the carburettors, but these could have been affected by the six-month period between the accident and testing. Contamination was also found within the fuel system, including debris likely originating from jerrycans and degradation of internal tank coatings, although this was not considered causal to the power loss.
The investigation concluded that the loss of engine power was most likely due to fuel starvation caused by either a fuel leak between the fuel flow sensor and the carburettors, or air entering the fuel lines upstream of the fuel flow sensor. This accident highlights the importance of checking fuel hose security, inspecting fuel filters and fuel tank liners.
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