Talking ultralight biplanes (the term means something slightly different in the UK).while flying the prototype Flitzer Z-1, which handles like a Pitts S-1C being aerobatic on an 1834cc VW - except that the the landing is a more gentlemanly affair, I suffered an engine failure due to stale fuel. Power was reducing at a rate which allowed me to gain about 500' before it finally went quiet.
I turned downwind to provide for a greater possibility of finding a suitable field, everywhere being covered with sheep or pylons as far as I could see from 2500'. I briefly used the controls to assess power-off handling at best gliding speed of 60 mph and all was well. Far off I saw a large field, seemingly clear of obstructions, which I thought I might just be able to reach. In any case nothing else seemed feasible.
To my amazement I arrived in the vicinity of the boundary hedge 100' too high and had to slip height off, touching down at 45 mph with plenty of room to spare. Far from exhibiting a very steep glide, the aeroplane had performed better than I expected. Rationalising this, the cabane pyramid is largely buried within the decking, the 'I struts are streamlined, the bullet-cowl provides good streamlining to the fuselage and just about the only thing which is a major drag source without creating lift is the arcane 'period' undercarriage. Possibly the stationary propeller contributed less drag than a throttled engine and windmilling prop.
After considering my situation for a while the farmer arrived in his Land Rover.
'You were lucky!' he said in the strong local accent.
'Yes,' I agreed. Everywhere else was sheep and pylons!'
'No,' he said. 'If you'd just landed ten feet to your right, you'd 'ave gone down the BIGGEST BADGERS' HOLE in Gloucestershire!'
:0)
