CEN20LA046

While performing touch and go landings the airplane’s engine lost power while in the traffic pattern. The pilot reported that the engine “bumped” twice, and the propeller stopped. The instructor verified carburetor heat and engine controls and attempted to restart the engine. Engine power could not be restored, and a forced landing was performed to a nearby river. Substantial damage was sustained to the wing spar. A postaccident examination of the engine by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors did not find any mechanical anomalies. They found 2 gallons of fuel in the left tank and 1 gallon in the right tank. However, the pilot reported that the fuel tanks were full prior to takeoff. Using the Carburetor Icing Probability Chart located in the FAA’s Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, Carburetor Icing Prevention found that the airplane was operating in an area conducive for serious icing at cruise power, but the pilots reported the use of carburetor heat.

On November 24, 2019, about 1050 central standard time, a Cessna 150H airplane, N22931, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Shreveport, Louisiana. The flight instructor and pilot receiving instruction were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. According to information provided by the flight instructor, while conducting touch and go landings and on the crosswind leg, the engine "bumped" twice, and the propeller stopped. The instructor verified carburetor heat, throttle, and mixture controls. The pilot energized the starter and the propeller moved; however, it did not restore engine power. They performed a forced landing to a nearby river. After recovery from the water, substantial damage was found to the wing spar. A postaccident examination of the engine by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors did not find any mechanical anomalies. Airplane fuel tank integrity was maintained and following recovery approximately 1 gallon of fuel was found in the left wing and 2 gallons remained in the right wing. Both fuel quantities would be usuable. The pilot reported that the airplane fuel tanks were full of fuel prior to takeoff. Using the Carburetor Icing Probability Chart located in the FAA's Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, Carburetor Icing Prevention, found that the airplane was operating in an area conducive for serious icing at cruise power and the pilots reported the use of carburetor heat.