Final Report: Accident Rutan Long-EZ, (EI-CPI) Knockahavaun Co. Waterford, 27 March 2017: Report - 2017-013

 

The Pilot was undertaking a short local flight with the intention of returning to Waterford Airport (EIWF) for circuit work. Approximately 18 minutes after take-off, at an altitude of 2,000 ft, the Pilot declared an emergency and informed Waterford ATC that his engine had stopped. He gave his approximate position as near Dungarvan and told ATC that he had selected a field for a landing. Waterford ATC acknowledged the MAYDAY call, gave the wind information (at EIWF) and advised the Pilot to concentrate on landing.

 

Following a flight path in a north-easterly direction, the aircraft impacted trees at a height of 4.4 metres (m). The Waterford-based Irish Coast Guard (IRCG) helicopter was airborne on a training detail at the time. The helicopter crew heard the MAYDAY call and arrived at the scene within minutes under the self-tasked callsign ‘Rescue 117’. The Pilot of EI-CPI was fatally injured in the accident. There was no fire.