Primary finding
Probable cause
loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. A factor in the accident was the frozen, snow covered terrain.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
During recovery from a simulated engine out forced landing, engine power could not be restored. The pilot stated that he accomplished the engine out emergency procedures numerous times to no avail. He stated that he made a forced landing in a field and during the landing roll the airplane's wings impacted trees and were substantially damaged. Post accident examinations of the airframe and engine did not reveal any anomalies.
Source record
Factual narrative
On Monday, February 28, 1994, at 1225 eastern standard time, a Cessna 152, N47316, operated by Chinn Aviation in Ravenna, Ohio, did not regain engine power after a simulated engine out emergency. The pilot made a forced landing in a field and during the landing roll the airplane's wings struck trees and were substantially damaged. The pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The local personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The pilot reported that he was simulating a engine power loss down to an altitude of 1,800 feet mean sea level (MSL). The pilot stated that carburetor heat was applied during the simulated engine power loss and when he pushed the throttle to the full position, the engine did not respond. The pilot stated that he accomplished the engine out procedures numerous times but the engine did not regain power. He stated, "At this point I had to commit on landing at the chosen field. I touched down on the field and found the brakes practically useless on the frozen snow covered field...." The airplane's wings impacted small trees and brought the airplane to a stop. Post accident examination of the accident site revealed three tracks in the snow, about 200 feet in length, which led up to the airplane. (See attached State Highway Patrol Aircraft Crash Record for accident site diagram.) The airframe and engine were examined at the accident site with no anomalies noted. Fuel was present in both fuel tanks. The airplane was removed from the accident site and stored in a hangar. The engine was restarted in the hangar and ran without any anomalies noted. -