Incident Overview
On December 18, 2019, at approximately 1910 eastern standard time, a Cessna 172 airplane, registration N5406R, experienced a loss of engine power and subsequently collided with trees and a fence during a forced landing at Cincinnati West Airport (I67) in Harrison, Ohio. The aircraft was engaged in a local instructional flight under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, which had originated from I67 about 1730. Night visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and the flight was not operated on a flight plan.
Flight and Events
The flight instructor and pilot were conducting instrument training. Following a practice instrument approach to runway 19 at I67, the pilot initiated a missed approach. During the climb out, the flight instructor simulated an engine failure. The pilot responded by entering a power-off approach to runway 1 and applied carburetor heat as part of his loss of engine power procedure. At approximately 200 feet above ground level, the flight instructor advanced the throttle to clear the engine; however, the engine stopped producing power. The flight instructor then took control of the airplane. The aircraft struck trees while on approach before landing on the runway.
Inspection and Damage
After landing, the flight instructor inspected the airplane on the runway and observed no damage to the landing gear or propeller. He subsequently started the engine and taxied to the hangar; the engine started without difficulty and appeared to run normally during the taxi. Examination of the runway environment by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspectors indicated that the airplane struck trees and a 3-foot-high wire fence about 400 feet short of the runway. Skid marks on a two-lane road adjacent to the fence were consistent with the airplane touching down momentarily before becoming airborne again. Additional skid marks on the paved stopway/overrun preceding the displaced threshold of runway 1 were consistent with the airplane contacting the pavement at that point. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the outboard portion of the left wing.
Engine Examination
A postaccident engine examination conducted by FAA inspectors did not reveal any anomalies consistent with an inability to produce rated power. Engine control continuity was confirmed.
Weather Conditions
The temperature and dew point recorded by the I67 Automated Weather Observing System (AWOS) at 1915 were -5°C and -10°C, respectively. Information published by the FAA regarding carburetor icing indicated the possibility of icing at glide power existed under those conditions, although the temperature/dew point combination was on the cusp of the region for icing at glide power on the probability chart.
Aircraft Documentation
A review of the owner's manual applicable to the airplane revealed that there was no specific emergency checklist for a loss of engine power. The descent (let-down) checklist noted, "Carburetor Heat – As required to prevent carburetor icing." The before landing checklist noted, "Carburetor Heat – Apply before closing throttle."