What happened
On June 9, 2021, a pilot was conducting a flight following the route EPLR-EPKA-EPML-EPLR in a Cessna 152, registration SP-DCM. Following a touch-and-go maneuver at EPKA, the pilot noticed a slight reduction in engine power during the climb. While turning left toward the DELTA waypoint, the engine performance appeared to return to normal.
However, as the aircraft continued its climb at approximately 2,500 feet, the engine began jerking and experienced a significant loss of power, though it remained operational. The aircraft entered an uncommanded descent, and the pilot noted that adjusting the throttle had no effect on increasing engine RPM. Due to the loss of performance, the pilot elected to perform an emergency landing in an open area. Shortly before touchdown, the pilot shut down the engine. The landing was completed without incident, and a subsequent inspection of the aircraft revealed no structural damage.
The investigation
The investigation focused on the mechanical performance of the engine and the fuel system during the climb phase. The investigation established that the engine's inability to maintain power or respond to throttle inputs was linked to a specific component failure.