Student Pilot Lands in Cornfield After Engine Power Loss During Initial Climb (N1782V)

Incident Overview and Immediate Actions A student pilot reported conducting touch-and-go pattern operations when the engine sputtered and lost power during the initial climb. Because the aircraft did not have sufficient altitude to return to the runway, the pilot landed in a cornfield. The forced landing resulted in damage to the fuselage and wings. ## Fuel and Carburetor Findings The on-scene investigation found 2-1/2 gallons of fuel in the right wing tank and 3-1/2 gallons in the left wing tank. Inspections of the gascolator and fuel tanks did not detect water contamination. When the carburetor was opened, investigators noted a small amount of debris in the bowl. The individual debris particles were large enough to obstruct fuel flow to the main jet. Further inspection revealed a fragment of debris in the orifice of the main jet, blocking it about 60 to 70 percent.