FTW96LA076

The flight originated at Austin, Texas, at 1125 with two en route stops. Fuel was not purchased during any portion of the flight. During the return route to Austin, Texas, there was a total loss of engine power. A forced landing was made in an open field with soft soil, but the airplane nosed over. An FAA inspector reported 'evidence of a residual amount of fuel in the wings, fuel filter, and at the carburetor.' The FAA inspector and the owner/operator found no mechanical discrepancies that would have contributed to a power loss.

On December 24, 1995, at 1430 central standard time, a Cessna 150M, N19LV, sustained substantial damage during the forced landing following a loss of engine power near Round Rock, Texas. The student pilot was not injured. The airplane was being operated as an instructional flight under Title 14 CFR part 91. The last leg of the solo cross country flight originated in Temple, Texas, at 1400. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed.

During an interview, conducted by the FAA inspector, and on the Pilot/Operator Report, the solo student pilot reported the following. Fuel was checked and a flight log (enclosed) prepared prior to departing Austin. The round robin cross country flight departed Austin, Texas, at 1125, with en route stops at Brownwood, Texas, and Temple, Texas. The flight was conducted with a "high power setting" and fuel was not purchased during any portion of the flight. During the return to Austin, the "engine quit," an emergency was declared to Austin Approach Control, and the emergency landing was initiated to an open field. During the landing roll, the nose gear collapsed in the "soft soil" and the airplane nosed over before coming to rest inverted.

The FAA inspector examined the airplane and reported structural damage to the wings, propeller, firewall, rudder, and stabilizers. There were no mechanical discrepancies noted with the airplane. There was "evidence of a residual amount of fuel in the wings, fuel filter, and at the carburetor."

During a telephone interview, conducted by the investigator-in-charge, the owner/operator reported that he found no mechanical discrepancies that would have contributed to a power loss. His written statement was never submitted to the Board.