What happened
On November 24, 2015, a Cessna 305A, registration N5312G, experienced an engine failure shortly after takeoff from Southland Field Airport (UXL) in Sulphur, Louisiana. The flight was being conducted under Part 91 regulations, and the pilot had intended to perform touch-and-go landings to verify the fuel flow accuracy of a recently installed engine monitor before proceeding to Lake Charles Regional Airport.
After completing the second touch-and-go on runway 15, the pilot applied full power, set the carburetor heat to the cold position, and began a standard climb. While performing a left crosswind turn to prepare for a full-stop landing, the engine stopped firing. The pilot executed a forced landing in a field containing dense, wet vegetation. The aircraft sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and both wings. The pilot sustained one minor injury, while the pilot-rated passenger was not injured.
At the time of the accident, weather conditions were visual (VMC) with a visibility of 10 statute miles and winds from 090 degrees at 10 knots.
The investigation
An examination of the engine was conducted in August 201 $ ext{7}$ under FAA supervision. While the engine showed no external damage other than impact damage to the intake air box, several internal issues were identified:
- The number six cylinder exhibited heavy corrosion on the intake valve, preventing it from seating properly.
- The magneto impulse couplings snapped at top dead center on the number one cylinder.
- The Marvel Schebler carburetor was found to contain rust and water in the fuel inlet line.
- The carburetor bowl was approximately half full of water and showed heavy corrosion.
- The inlet screen was wet with water and corrosion.
Findings
Although weather conditions were conducive to carburetor icing, the investigation determined that water and contaminants in the carburetor likely caused the loss of engine power.