Engine failure forces Zenair CH 601HDS to heavy landing at Tatenhill Airfield

On 22 April 2025 the Zenair CH 601HDS registered G-CHZS experienced an engine failure while returning to Tatenhill Airfield in Staffordshire, declared a MAYDAY and attempted to glide before making a forced landing on a nearer runway; the aircraft landed heavily, was damaged beyond economic repair, and neither occupant was injured.

The AAIB investigation identified significant fuel‑system contamination, including debris in the fuel tank and filters, the absence of a gascolator filter screen, and faults with the left carburettor, concluding that restricted fuel flow from the contamination combined with carburettor inefficiency probably caused the engine failure.