On April 7, 1995, a Cessna 152 (registration N94534) operated by Texas State Technical College was involved in an aviation accident near Waco, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: TOTAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FOR REASONS UNDETERMINED. A FACTOR WAS THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN ON WHICH TO MAKE A FORCED LANDING. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 9 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
During a training flight, an instructor simulated an engine failure by closing the throttle. The student attempted a forced landing but became too high. After deploying full flaps, a high descent rate developed. When the instructor told the student to abort, the engine did not respond to full throttle. The airplane struck mesquite trees. Post-accident testing found no engine discrepancies.
Simulated Engine Failure
During a training flight, the instructor closed the throttle and applied carburetor heat to simulate an engine failure. The student configured the airplane for a forced landing approach and reviewed the engine restart procedures.
Mishap Event
When the student realized he was too high for the selected field, he deployed full flaps. The instructor noticed a high descent rate had developed and told the student to abandon the approach. The engine did not respond when full throttle was applied, and the airplane collided with mesquite trees.
Post-Accident Inspection
The engine was later functionally tested and no discrepancies were found.