Primary finding
Probable cause
a loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that while performing practice ground reference manuevers, his engine 'hicupped', then went to idle. He applied carburetor heat, increased mixture and throttle, but could not regain power. He established a glide, selected a landing area on a dirt road, and made a forced landing. The aircraft collided with a palo verde tree at the side of the dirt road, damaging both wings. There was no evidence of mechanical failure. Fuel was found in the aircraft fuel tanks and in the engine carburetor.
Source record
Factual narrative
On October 19, 1995, at 1030 hours mountain standard time, a Cessna 152, N5321P, collided with ground obstructions while executing a forced landing on a road near Mobile, Arizona. The forced landing was precipitated by a loss of power while the pilot was practicing maneuvers at cruise altitude. The aircraft was owned and operated by Glendale Aviation of Glendale, Arizona, and was rented by the student pilot for a local area solo instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft incurred substantial damage. The student pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight originated about 0900 on the day of the accident from the Glendale airport. The pilot stated that while performing practice ground reference manuevers, his engine "hicupped", then went to idle. He applied carburetor heat, increased mixture and throttle, but could not regain power. He established a glide, selected a landing area on a dirt road, and made a forced landing. The aircraft collided with a palo verde tree at the side of the dirt road, damaging both wings. The aircraft was examined by an FAA airworthiness inspector from the Scottsdale Flight Standards District Office. He reported that fuel was found in the aircraft fuel tanks and in the engine carburetor. There was no evidence of mechanical failure. -