DFW08LA018

While conducting a go-around from a simulated forced landing, the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. Low altitude precluded an engine restart and the flight instructor elected to conduct a forced landing in a nearby corn field. Unable to align with the plowed rows, the flight instructor landed perpendicular to the rows and subsequently nosed over. Analysis of the engine revealed fuel contaminated with water in the gascolator and carburetor bowl. The inspecting personnel reported that both components were properly sealed to prevent water intrusion.

History of flight

On September 20, 2007, at approximately 1415 central daylight time, a single-engine Cessna 150K airplane, N6157G, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing following a reported loss of engine power near Flora, Mississippi. The flight instructor and the student pilot receiving instruction were not injured. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the instructional flight conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. The flight departed as a round-robin flight from the Hawkins Field Airport (HKS) near Jackson, Mississippi.

The flight instructor reported during a telephone interview, that the student pilot had performed a simulated forced landing and in order to expedite the descent, the airplane was side-slipped. After properly aligning for approach, the student pilot executed a go-around. The engine operated normally for about 30 seconds until the engine lost power. The aircraft was approximately 200 to 300 feet above the ground in nose-high attitude when the flight instructor took control of the aircraft. Due to airspeed and altitude, the flight instructor elected to land the airplane in a nearby corn field. The low altitude did not allow the flight instructor to align the aircraft with the corn rows and when the aircraft touched down perpendicular to the corn rows the nose gear dug into the soft dirt and was sheared-off. The nose gear strut dug into the soil and the airplane nosed over. The airplane continued skidding tail-first, inverted, before coming to rest in the inverted position. Both pilots were uninjured and were able to egress the aircraft.

Damage to airplane

The spinner cone was crushed and bent. The undercarriage of the aircraft sustained several dents from the nose to the tail. The nose gear was sheered off. The empennage was buckled. The top of the rudder was crushed in. Both wings sustained dents and the area near the wingtips suffered heavy damage and tearing.

Personnel information

The flight instructor, age 54, held a flight instructor certificate with airplane single-engine, airplane multi-engine, and instrument airplane ratings. In addition, he possessed a commercial certificate with single-engine land, multi-engine land, single-engine sea, and airplane instrument ratings. A valid second-class medical certificate was issued on November 4, 2006. The flight instructor reported 11,718 total hours, 9,168 instructor hours, and 1,819-hours in the same make and model.

The student pilot, age 54, held a student pilot certificate. A valid third-class medical certificate was issued on December 6, 2005. The student reported 80 total hours, with 80 hours in same make and model.

Aircraft information

The single-engine, high wing, fixed landing gear, two seat airplane was manufactured in 1969. The two-bladed McCauley propeller was powered by a Teledyne Continental Motors O-200-A, serial number 20569-9-A, rated at 100 horsepower.

Meteorological information

At 1353, an automated weather reporting station at Jackson Hawkins Field, located 13 nautical miles to the south-east of the accident site report winds calm, 10 statute miles visibility, clear skies, temperature 80 degrees Fahrenheit, dew point 39 degrees Fahrenheit, and a barometric pressure of 30.03 inches of Mercury.

The meteorological conditions present were not conducive to carburetor icing.

The airplane was tied down on the ramp at Jackson Hawkins Field. In the days prior to the accident, rain fall was light, with the largest sum of 0.52 inches falling on October 17.

Tests and research

On December 10, 2007 an examination was conducted by a representative from Teledyne Continental Engines under the supervision of an FAA inspector from the Little Rock FSDO. No mechanical anomalies were discovered during the inspection. Contaminated fuel was found in the engine gascolater and carburetor fuel bowl. Both contaminated fuel samples tested positive for the presence of water using Sar-Gel. The gascolater and carburetor appeared to be properly sealed. The gascolater was disassembled and found to contain rust of the center shaft and bottom of the bowl portion. Since an engine run was planned, the carburetor was not disassembled. Once all components were reinstalled, an engine run was conducted and the engine was able to produce power.

According to FBO personnel, no reports of fuel contamination were received at Jackson Hawkins Field.

Additional information

In a telephone interview, the flight instructor reported that a normal preflight was accomplished prior to takeoff.

On the NTSB Form 6120.1 the flight instructor stated that since flight had occurred for 30 minutes prior to the accident, water may have pooled in the wings which was disrupted during the side-slip maneuver.