Primary finding
Probable cause
the flight instructor's selection of unsuitable terrain for the forced landing demonstration. A factor in the accident was the high density altitude existing at the time of the mishap.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The flight instructor said he was demonstrating an engine out forced landing procedure to his student. On base leg for the selected landing area the instructor decided to terminate the exercise. He said he applied full power and began a climb at best angle of climb airspeed. The aircraft could not out climb the rising terrain and settled onto its landing gear at about the 3,750 foot msl level of some hilly terrain. As the aircraft rolled along the nose gear encountered soft soil and the aircraft nosed over onto its back. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical failure of the engine or airframe. The density altitude was calculated at about 6,000 feet.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 12, 1993, at 0945 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 150L, N19507, collided with rising terrain near Yucaipa, California, during climb out from a practice forced landing. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the operation. The aircraft incurred substantial damage. The certificated flight instructor and his non certificated dual primary student were not injured. The flight originated at the Redlands, California, airport on the day of the mishap at 0900 hours as a local area dual instructional flight. In both a telephone interview and his written statement, the flight instructor said he was demonstrating an engine out forced landing procedure to his student. On base leg for the selected landing area the instructor decided to terminate the exercise. He said he applied full power and began a climb at best angle of climb airspeed. The aircraft could not out climb the rising terrain and settled onto its landing gear at about the 3,750 foot MSL level of some hilly terrain. As the aircraft rolled along, the nose gear encountered soft soil and the aircraft nosed over onto it's back. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical failure of the engine or airframe. The density altitude was calculated at about 6,000 feet. -