20010709016469A

(.19) On July 9, 2001, approximately 0730 central daylight time, a Cessna 172N airplane, N7332F, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near caldwell, Texas. The airplane was owned and operated by the Texas a&m flying club, inc., of college station, Texas. The student pilot, sole occupant, sustained serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and flight plan was not filed for the 14 code of federal regulations part 91 supervised solo instructional flight. The local flight originated from college station, at an undetermined time. Preliminary information indicates that the student pilot was practicing emergency procedures when the engine lost power. A forced landing was initiated to an open field, and during the landing roll, the airplane impacted a levee separating the nose landing gear. The airplane became airborne and came to rest upright 20 feet from the levee. The FAA inspector reported that the engine mounts and firewall had sustained damage. (-23) on July 9, 2001, at approximately 0630 local time, a student pilot, jefferson randolf keith, crash landed a CE-172-N 13 miles sw of the college station VOR near Scofield, TX. Investigation at the scene indicated the aircraft landed in a grass field and rolled approximately 50 ft. before impacting a levee breaking the nose wheel off. The aircraft became airborne jumping a small ditch and came to rest aproximately 20 ft. from the levee. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the firewall and engine mounts. The propeller was only bent on one side, indicating an engine stoppage prior to touchdown. There was fuel in both tanks, and the fuel selector valve was in the "off" position. The throttle was pulled out; mixture was rich; and the carburetor heat was pulled out. The flap actuator was in the 30 degree position, but the flaps were retracted. During the interview, Mr. Keith stated that he shut-off the engine as part of his simulated emergency landing procedures. He could not restart the engine before contacting the ground. It appeared that the aircraft crashed because the engine was purposely shut-off. Based on the interview with the pilot, this investigation is considered closed. (.4) after takeoff, the single-engine airplane climbed to 2,500 or 2,600 feet MSL and proceeded to the practice area. After arriving at the practice area, the solo student pilot practiced a few steep turns and power on/power off stalls. After completion of the stalls, the airplane had ascended to 4,000 feet MSL "so he decided to practice emergency landings." The student pilot applied carburetor heat, throttle to idle, and pulled the mixture out to "stop the prop." He then "established the best glide speed of 65 and looked for a field." The student pilot attempted to restart the engine at 2,000 feet MSL by priming the engine 2 or 3 times, then carburetor heat off, mixture rich, and throttle 1/8 open. The engine turned over a couple of times, but would not start, so he set up to land in the field. During the landing roll, the airplane impacted a levee, became airborne again and then came to rest upright 20 feet from the levee.