Accident Overview
On February 7, 2008, at approximately 2027 central standard time, a Cessna TR182 (registration N2225T) sustained substantial damage during a forced landing to a field following a loss of engine power. The airplane was operated by Alpha Tango Flying Services of San Antonio, Texas, on an instructional flight under 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Sequence of Events
The flight departed Stinson Municipal Airport (SSR) at about 2015, en route to San Antonio International Airport (SAT). The certified flight instructor reported performing a normal engine run-up prior to departure. Shortly after takeoff, at an altitude of 1,700 feet mean sea level, the instructor and student pilot smelled a burning odor in the cockpit. This was followed by a rough-running engine and a sudden loss of power. The instructor made several unsuccessful attempts to restart the engine before executing a gear-up forced landing.
The student pilot recalled smelling an odor of insulation, after which the engine coughed and power was lost. The instructor turned back toward SSR but determined that altitude was insufficient to reach the airport. The student identified an open field, and the instructor prepared for a gear-up landing. During touchdown, the left wing contacted the ground, and the airplane slid approximately 500 feet before stopping. Both occupants exited and waited for rescue personnel. A witness who observed the airplane in flight reported seeing flames from the engine compartment.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration safety inspector examined the accident site, a recently plowed strawberry field. The airplane was relatively undamaged except for structural damage to the left wing spar and damage to the propeller blades. The engine cowling showed localized paint discoloration and blistering near the turbocharger. Further inspection revealed that the turbocharger exhaust stack had separated at a location where an approximately 4-inch-long weld was present. A review of the engine logbooks found no entry regarding a weld repair in that area, and it could not be determined who performed the weld or when it was made.
The airplane's last annual inspection occurred on October 10, 2007, at which time the airframe had accrued 5,308.2 total hours. The recently overhauled engine had accumulated 156.8 hours since overhaul.
Pilot and Operational Information
The flight instructor held a commercial pilot certificate with single- and multi-engine land and instrument ratings, along with certified flight instructor ratings for the same categories. His most recent FAA first-class medical certificate was issued on October 12, 2007, at which time he reported 1,250 hours of flight time.
Weather reported at San Antonio International Airport at 1953 included wind from 320 degrees at 5 knots, visibility 10 miles, clear skies, temperature 54°F, dewpoint 39°F, and a barometric pressure of 30.04 inches of mercury.
The operator did not submit a completed NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report as requested.