Accident Summary
On December 3, 2017, at about 1325 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 152 airplane, registration N714TD, was substantially damaged in an accident near Everett, Washington. The flight instructor and student pilot aboard sustained minor injuries. The airplane was being operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as an instructional flight.
Flight History
According to the flight instructor, after completing a local instructional flight, they returned to the airport to practice touch-and-go landings. Following a successful touch-and-go, they switched to another runway. During the approach, the airplane was high on the glidepath, prompting the student to initiate a go-around. The instructor reported that while executing the go-around at about 150 feet above ground level, the engine sputtered and then lost all power. Realizing they could not reach the runway, they chose to conduct a forced landing in a nearby field. During the landing, the left wing struck a utility pole and the right wing struck a tree.
Postaccident Examination
Postaccident examination revealed substantial damage to the wings. When the fuel tank sumps and strainer were drained, a large amount of water was observed in the fuel. During an engine test run, the engine had difficulty starting. After the carburetor was replaced, the engine started with some hesitation but then ran smoothly at various power settings. Examination of the carburetor found no evidence of any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation, and no debris or contaminants were detected.
Fuel Contamination
The Pilot’s Operating Handbook, Section 4, “Normal Procedures,” “Preflight Inspection,” specifies that before the first flight of the day and after each refueling, a small quantity of fuel should be drained from the fuel tank sump quick-drain valve to check for water. Additionally, the strainer drain knob should be pulled out for about four seconds to clear the fuel strainer of possible water and sediment, and then the strainer drain should be checked closed. The handbook states that if water is observed, further draining of the system at the strainer, fuel tank sumps, and fuel line drain plug is necessary.