What happened
On November 7, 2019, a Cessna C-150M, registration SP-MBR, was performing a training flight from Kamień Śląski (EPKN) to Rudniki (EPRU). The flight was operated by a flight training organization with an instructor and a student pilot on board. During the takeoff roll on runway 11, the aircraft was being drifted to the left by a crosswind.
At an altitude of approximately 60 meters, the engine began to lose power. The instructor took control of the aircraft and attempted an emergency 180-degree left turn to land on the opposite runway. During this maneuver, the aircraft entered a stall and subsequently a spin, striking the ground at an angle of 30 to 40 degrees. The impact caused the aircraft to flip onto its back. The crew sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
The PKBWL investigation focused on the engine's performance and the meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. Investigators noted that during taxiing, the instructor had previously observed symptoms of carburetor icing, which were resolved by activating the carburetor heat. However, during the subsequent taxi to the runway threshold, the carburetor heat was not active.
Technical examination of the Continental 0-200-A engine revealed that cylinders maintained compression and the ignition system was functional. The investigation also analyzed the weather data from the Opole station, which showed high humidity and temperatures conducive to icing.
Findings
- Carburetor icing caused the loss of engine power.
- The emergency landing was performed in a manner inconsistent with the Pilot's Operating Handbook and established good flying practices.
- The crew failed to properly analyze the weather forecast and identify the high probability of carburetor icing.
- The long taxi duration at low engine RPMs contributed to the accumulation of ice.
- The instructor did not sufficiently plan for an engine failure scenario given the specific environmental conditions.