On July 25, 1990, a Cessna 152 (registration N5278H) operated by United States Air Force was involved in an aviation accident near Lytle, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The loss of engine power during flight, which necessitated a forced landing that resulted in the destruction of the aircraft. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 10 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A pilot flying solo experienced complete engine failure during a cross-country flight and executed a forced landing on a short field with obstacles, resulting in the destruction of the aircraft.
What happened
During a solo cross-country flight, the aircraft experienced a complete loss of engine power after approximately 3.1 hours of flight time. The pilot was forced to execute an emergency landing on a short field that contained obstacles. In an effort to manage the approach and touchdown, the pilot elected to use only ten degrees of flaps for the landing configuration. This flap setting resulted in a longer ground roll than might have been possible with full flaps. Consequently, the airplane struck several objects before coming to rest on its nose against a tree. The aircraft was destroyed during the impact with these objects.
Findings
The investigation determined that the sequence of events began with the loss of engine power. The pilot's decision to use limited flap deflection contributed to the extended ground run in the confined landing area, leading to the collision with obstacles and the subsequent destruction of the airplane.
Probable cause
The loss of engine power during flight, which necessitated a forced landing that resulted in the destruction of the aircraft.