Event Details
On 7 July 2013, a student pilot was conducting a solo navigation flight from Rzeszów (EPRZ) to Krosno (EPKR) in a Cessna 152. While en route near Pruchnik, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power with no prior warning signs. The engine continued to run at minimum revolutions and did not respond to throttle adjustments. The pilot executed a forced landing onto a ploughed field. During the landing roll, the nose wheel separated from the aircraft, resulting in the aircraft nosing over. No fire occurred. The pilot exited the cockpit unaided; one person sustained minor injuries.
Engine Inspection Findings
A subsequent inspection of the engine revealed the following discrepancies:
- Cylinder 1: No compression due to a stuck intake valve.
- Cylinder 4: Low compression due to a partially open exhaust valve.
- Spark plugs in cylinders 2 and 4 exhibited heavy carbon deposits.
- Ignition timing was excessive: the right magneto set at 28° and the left magneto at 27°, whereas the maintenance manual specifies 20°.
Probable Cause
The accident was attributed to a sudden loss of engine power caused by a combination of factors: lack of compression in cylinder 1, reduced compression in cylinder 4, and excessive ignition timing on both magnetos.