ATL94LA032

The student pilot was performing a supervised solo instructional flight, which included upper air maneuver practice. During a descent, there was a total loss of engine power. After an unsuccessful restart attempt, an open field was selected for a forced landing. During the landing roll, the airplane struck brush and trees, and was damaged. Post-accident examination of the engine failed to reveal any evidence of a mechanical failure, and the engine was run up to full power on a test platform. Weather conditions at the time of the accident were conducive to the formation of carburetor ice. The pilot did not report the use of carburetor heat while maneuvering.

On December 26, 1993, at 1530 eastern standard time, a Cessna 152, N25566, collided with trees while attempting a forced landing in a field near Johns Island, South Carolina. The instructional flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual weather conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The airplane sustained substantial damage and the student pilot received minor injuries. The supervised solo flight departed Johns Island, South Carolina, at 1430 hours.

According to the student pilot, he had flown to the training area to practice upper air maneuvers. During the practice session, the pilot reported changing altitude and finally descending to 1500 feet. While descending to 1500 feet the student experienced a complete loss of engine power; at no time during the maneuvering and altitude changing did the pilot report using carburetor heat.

He attempted an engine restart but failed. Finally, the student pilot selected a hay field and attempted a forced landing. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with trees about 1000 feet from the touchdown point.

The subsequent examination of the aircraft and engine assembly failed to disclose a mechanical problem. A functional run of the engine, on the airframe, disclosed that all engine sub-systems were functionally and the engine operated up to full power.