Accident Details
A private pilot and a flight instructor (CFI) departed in a Cessna 152. Shortly after takeoff, they reported a rough running engine. The crew attempted to return to the departure airport but lacked sufficient altitude, resulting in a crash-landing on an abandoned golf course.
Post-Accident Findings
The private pilot informed police that he was the pilot-in-command (PIC) and that he had not run out of fuel. However, an inspection of the fuel tanks revealed approximately 2 inches of fuel in the left tank and no fuel in the right tank. The private pilot later told the operator that the CFI took control and executed the forced landing, a statement the CFI corroborated.
Before the aircraft was removed from the golf course, recovery personnel drained between 7 and 8 gallons of fuel from the airplane. A postaccident engine run demonstrated that the engine met all the manufacturer's established parameters. Additionally, a review of the aircraft and engine logbooks showed no discrepancies.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the incident, the temperature was 62°F and the dew point was 45°F. According to icing probability charts, these conditions were conducive for carburetor ice. However, the presence of carburetor ice was not verified.