Incident Overview
On April 14, 2015, at about 1345 Hawaiian standard time, a Cessna 172M, registration N12842, experienced a loss of engine power during initial climb from Hilo International Airport (ITO), Hilo, Hawaii. The airplane was operated by Hawaii Flight Academy under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a local instructional flight. The certified flight instructor (FI), the student pilot undergoing instruction (PUI), and one passenger all sustained serious injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged during the forced landing on the grassy area near the departure end of the runway.
Flight History
The flight departed Hilo at about 1245. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The operator reported that the FI was instructing the student pilot in preparation for that student's private pilot practical examination. The passenger was another student pilot observing the training flight. Prior to departure, the flight crew had drained water from the fuel tanks.
After about one hour of flight, the airplane returned to ITO to practice touch-and-go landings. The FI directed the student to perform a no-flap "slip to landing" and go-around. Following that aggressive slip and landing, power was applied for takeoff. The airplane became airborne, and when about 75 to 100 feet above ground level (agl), the engine began to run irregularly and subsequently lost power.
Forced Landing
The FI took control of the airplane and executed a left turn away from buildings located at the departure end of the runway. The airplane impacted onto the grass area northeast of the departure end of runway 03.
Examination and Findings
During an examination of the airplane, about 8 ounces of fluid was drained from the fuel sump strainer. Of that, 5 ounces appeared to be water. The carburetor was removed from the engine, and an unmeasured amount of fluid was drained from it; about 90% of that fluid appeared to be water. A water paste test indicated a positive result for water.
The operator commented that examination of the inside of the fuel tanks revealed that the sump drain valves protruded up about half an inch above the bottom of the tanks. The operator suggested that pilots drain the engine sump completely, rock both wings vigorously during preflight, and drain fuel from the engine and wing sumps again.