SYNOPSIS
The single-engined aircraft was on a private flight from the Isle of Wight (UK) to Galway Airport (EICM), with one Pilot, three passengers and a pet dog on board. While over the south midlands of Ireland, the aircraft developed engine vibration followed by a loss of engine power and smoke in the aircraft cabin. The Pilot, who was also an experienced glider pilot, shut down the engine and performed a forced landing into an agricultural field in County Tipperary.
There was no fire and except for minor damage to the engine cowling, the aircraft was undamaged. None of the occupants were injured. The cause of the engine power loss was due to the detachment of the number five cylinder, which the Investigation established was as a result of the fatigue failure of several of its retention studs.
