MS.317 Emergency Landing- Sidmouth Beach

https://assets.publishing.service.gov.uk/media/5b742327ed915d0b615a3ec2/Morane_Saulnier_MS.315E_D2_G-BZNK_09-18.pdf

Report out. The engine was not to blame. Aircraft unexpectedly ran out of fuel due to extreme fuel consumption after a mechanical failure in the engine primer system. Worth a good read, particularly the pilot’s explanation why he was able to put it down the way he did. Planning ahead, preparing for such an event, and practice.

Whilst I have no technical insight into the particulars of this apparent engine failure, it would not be the first low-hours Rotec engine failure…

Pricey…We are delighted to have listed this wonderful Morane Saulnier MS 315. The MS.315 was developed from the earlier MS.300 primary trainer and related variants and first flew in October 1932. The MS.315 is a parasol-wing monoplane with a tail skid, with divided main landing gear. This example has been lovingly restored …
Price‎: ‎£87,500
Engine Hours‎: ‎16 Hours from new
Aircraft Type‎: ‎ClassicAero
Engine Make‎: ‎New 150 HP ROTEC R3600

Really struggling to understand why anyone would swap a W670 for a Rotec.

Steve.

Original Morane-Saulnier MS.315?

The MS.315 had a 135hp Salmson 9Nc. This one (G-BZNK) was a MS.317, with a 220hp Continental W-670K engine, when it was in France as F-BCNY. However probably it was one of the MS.315s that were re-engined thus, in the early sixties, to serve as glider tugs. Apparently it now has a Rotec engine so, strictly speaking, it hasn’t reverted to a MS.315. Maybe it should be described as a MS.318 – being the next model, in sequence, in the evolution of the MS.300 series?

Brilliant emergency landing!

Original Morane-Saulnier MS.315?

he must have ball’s like a bull !

One article I read said that it had to be dismantled-presumably once recovered from the beach itself…

There are video’s showing the recovery. It was towed to a road with help from a tractor.

Any idea how the aeroplane was recovered?

Considering the skill the pilot demonstrated when landing the Morane Saulnier, it wouldn’t surprise me to learn that he repaired the engine and then flew it off the beach before the tide returned! 🙂

What a highly appropriate surname considering where he made his forced landing!

It’s quoted elsewhere that the pilot’s name is Zac Rockey. Had been flying from Bodmin

Amazing that the onlookers look as though they assume this is a natural occurence! Even the dogs assumed this was part of a new game. Well done pilot, guess we will know his/her name soon?

That was skilfully done, excellent airmanship. Any idea how the aeroplane was recovered?

Amazing to watch. Looks as if the pilot milked all the control authority he could out of the aircraft. Not the usual result you expect from a landing on a beach – well done!

That chap deserves more than the one pint tonight!

I do notice a distinct shortage of beachgoers “fleeing for their lives” – in fact, I’m sure I detect a certain amount of “OK, what’s he up to? Oh, that’s what he’s up to ” going on.

Hyperbole used to be awesome…

Adrian

But if the initial post is correct, in saying that engine trouble necesitated the forced landing

Well it certainly wasn’t running on that approach and landing from that video clip……..

That’s some flying skills……….. :applause::applause::applause:

A-A google `Rotec engine`; not a Rotax…

I’m glad to hear, Fouga23, that the MS.315 was successfully recovered from the beach. But if the initial post is correct, in saying that engine trouble necesitated the forced landing, I wonder if the owner of the aeroplane will be giving serious consideration to removing the Rotec and reverting to a Continental – and becoming a MS.317 again!

Amended, with apologies.