FTW99LA139

The airplane's engine lost total power during cruise flight at 4,000 feet agl. The pilot executed a forced landing to a dirt road. The airplane initially touched down adjacent to the dirt road and then again became airborne. The airplane crossed over a barbed wire fence and contacted the ground a second time, coming to rest upright in sandy terrain. Examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector and an airframe and powerplant mechanic revealed no anomalies that would have precluded normal operation of the engine.

On May 13, 1999, at 0830 central daylight time, a Cessna 175B airplane, N8133T, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Spur, Texas. The commercial pilot, who was the operator of the airplane, and his passenger were not injured. The airplane was owned by a private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight and a flight plan was not filed. The cross-country flight originated from Brownfield, Texas, at 0730, and was destined for Fort Smith, Arkansas.

According to the 873-hour pilot, the airplane was in cruise flight at 4,000 feet agl when the engine lost total power. He initiated a forced landing to a dirt road. The airplane initially touched down adjacent to the dirt road and then again became airborne. The airplane crossed over a barbed wire fence and contacted the ground a second time, coming to rest upright in sandy terrain. An FAA inspector examined the airplane at the site and stated that the right wing spar sustained structural damage, and the engine firewall was buckled. Additionally, the nose wheel was bent beneath the airframe.

Another pilot reported that while he was landing the accident airplane at Brownfield, Texas, the day before the accident, the engine lost power as the airplane "touched down." The airplane was visually examined at Brownfield. The engine was started and it operated within the manufacturer's specifications. He then flew the airplane for approximately 1 hour. No anomalies were found.

The FAA inspector examined the engine and reported that he established continuity from the propeller, through the engine crankshaft, to the accessory gears. He added that the spark plugs appeared clean and free of sediment. A certified airframe and powerplant mechanic examined the carburetor. He reported that there was fuel present in the bowl, and "the screen was clean and the metal float O.K." He added that the idle control was set properly. No other anomalies were noted that would have precluded normal operation of the engine.