FTW93LA094

While in cruise flight, a total loss of power occurred and the pilot was forced to land in a small field located near houses in a heavily wooded area. The airplane impacted trees after rolling approximately 500 feet. Examination of the carburetor by the FAA revealed a piece of brass lodged in the fuel metering port which had starved the engine of fuel. The carburetor had 29.7 hours of operation since overhaul. No work had been done to it since installation.

On March 3, 1993, at approximately 1740 central standard time, a Cessna 172N, N8071E, was substantially damaged when it impacted trees during the landing roll in a small field after an in flight total loss of power forced the pilot to land. The field was located approximately 6 statute miles east of David Wayne Hooks Airport, Houston, Texas. The private pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight.

The flight originated in Longview, Texas, and was bound for David Wayne Hooks Airport, Houston, Texas. The pilot reported a total loss of power occurred while in cruise flight. The pilot stated the terrain below the airplane was housing in a heavily wooded area. Additionally, he said he had to maneuver the airplane under a power line and veer around several trees to be able to land in the field. During the landing roll, the airplane impacted trees before the pilot could bring it to a complete stop after rolling approximately 500 feet.

The FAA inspector reported finding a piece of brass metal (foreign object) in the carburetor's float needle seat port (fuel metering needle). The carburetor had been overhauled along with the engine and had 29.7 hours of operating time since installation. A review of the aircraft's log books did not reveal any maintenance being performed to the carburetor since the overhaul was accomplished. A copy of the FAA inspector's statement is attached to this report.