FTW04LA028

During takeoff on a maintenance test flight, approximately 200 feet agl, the engine lost power. The 4,070-hour flight instructor stated that he turned the airplane back toward the airport and looked for a suitable place to land. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted the terrain, flipped over and came to rest inverted. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the gascolator, connected to the carburetor fuel line, was blocked by rubber deposits. These deposits were consistent with the inner lining of the fuel line.

On November 26, 2003, approximately 1500 central standard time, a Cessna 172H single-engine airplane, N8058L, was destroyed when it impacted the terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during takeoff from the Wichita Valley Airport, near Wichita Falls, Texas. The certified flight instructor (CFI) and his passenger, a private pilot, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was registered to and operated by the private pilot. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

The private pilot, who was seated in the left seat, stated that he performed a run up of the aircraft prior to picking up the flight instructor. After picking up the CFI, they "taxied to the gas pumps [and] filled up both [fuel] tanks using proper procedures." Prior to departure both pilots went through the aircraft checklist and no anomalies were discovered. The private pilot reported, "Everything looked good [as] he took off, we got up around 200 feet and lost power."

The 4,070-hour flight instructor, who was seated in the right seat, stated they "performed a thorough run up, and everything looked good for the takeoff." Approximately 200 feet agl, the engine lost power. The CFI turned the airplane into the wind to attempt to land in the field adjacent to the runway. The CFI vaguely recalled rolling-out wings level from a turn and flaring to land.

According to the FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, the airplane had recently underwent an extensive restoration, and the pilots were attempting to perform a test flight. During the takeoff from runway 13, the engine lost power, and the pilot initiated a forced landing and executed a 180-degree turn toward the airport. The airplane impacted the terrain in a nose low attitude, flipped over and came to rest inverted.

Examination of the wreckage revealed both wings were bent, the empennage was partially separated from the fuselage, and the engine was separated from the airframe. The engine crankshaft was manually rotated and crankshaft continuity was verified throughout the engine. The FAA inspector stated the gascolator, connected to the carburetor fuel line, was blocked by rubber deposits. These deposits were consistent with the inner lining of the fuel line.