What happened
During the final leg of a solo cross-country instructional flight, the student pilot encountered a rough-running engine which subsequently led to a complete engine failure. In response to the mechanical issue, the pilot elected to execute emergency procedures and land on a nearby frozen lake. The aircraft made a hard landing on the ice surface.
The investigation
A post-accident examination of the aircraft revealed significant fuel contamination. Specifically, inspectors found two to three quarts of water in the left fuel tank, along with smaller amounts of water in the right tank and the fuel bowl.
The student pilot stated that he did not perform a preflight inspection after refueling at his first en route airport. This omission likely allowed the water contamination to go undetected prior to the flight.
Findings
The primary contributing factor was the failure to conduct a proper preflight inspection following refueling, which resulted in water in the fuel. This contamination caused engine failure due to fuel starvation or combustion issues. The pilot's decision to land on the frozen lake was a direct response to the loss of power.
Safety message
Pilots must always perform thorough preflight inspections, especially after refueling at unfamiliar locations, to ensure fuel quality and prevent water contamination from entering the engine.