Loss of Engine Power During Instructional Flight Leads to Collision with Greenhouse (N25566)

Incident Overview and Emergency Response During a flight conducted under CFR Part 91, a flight instructor and a student were practicing touch-and-go landings. While on the upwind leg of the landing pattern at approximately 200 feet above ground level, the aircraft's engine lost power. The instructor assumed control of the aircraft, declared an emergency, and initiated a right turn toward a nearby road. Upon identifying a clearing, the instructor adjusted the flight path toward it. However, during the landing flare, the left wing struck a tree. As the aircraft continued its landing roll, the nose gear strut collapsed, and the plane subsequently collided with a wooden greenhouse. ## Technical Investigation and Findings An FAA inspector conducted an examination of the aircraft and its engine. The investigation revealed debris within the main metering jet of the carburetor. This debris consisted of small flakes of a white material that were larger than the fuel inlet screen. The carburetor was subsequently removed and sent to a maintenance facility for further inspection. No additional foreign objects or debris were identified during this secondary examination. A small leak was noted at the accelerator valve. According to the operator, a previously overhauled carburetor had been installed on the engine on March 13, 2006, approximately 9.6 hours prior to the accident.