What happened
On November 18, 2021, a Cessna 152, registration CS-EDT, departed from Vilar da Luz aerodrome for a general aviation training flight. The crew, consisting of a flight instructor and a student pilot, had been performing maneuvers in a dedicated area before deciding to return to the aerodrome due to turbulent atmospheric conditions.
While executing the aerodrome circuit, the aircraft was on its initial climb at approximately 1,00 and 350 feet AGL. As the pilot initiated a right turn into a crosswind, the engine suffered a complete loss of power. Due to the low altitude, the crew determined that returning to the aerodrome was not possible and selected a terrain area for an emergency landing.
During the approach, the instructor pilot identified that the aircraft's speed on final approach was too high for a safe maneuver at the first selected site. Consequently, the pilot adjusted the flaps to manage energy and chose a second landing location further ahead. The aircraft landed on soft ground, traveling approximately 80 meters before striking a small wall that was obscured by vegetation. While the cockpit remained intact and the crew egressed without injuries, the impact caused the nose gear to collapse due to a rupture in the engine mount and damaged the carburetor and fuel supply system.
The investigation
The GPIAAF conducted a technical examination of the aircraft's main systems and engine components after transferring the wreckage to a hangar. The investigation focused on the functionality of the Lycoming O-235-L2C engine and its Marvel-Schebler Aircraft Carburetors (MSAC) MA-3PA carburetor system. The investigation team noted that the event involved low complexity, as the primary findings were addressed through the analysis of the carburetor's mechanical operation.
Findings
- The engine failure was linked to the mechanical operation of the float-type carburetor.
- The investigation identified potential for mechanical interference between moving parts within the carburetor bowl, which can lead to irregular float operation and subsequent engine failure.
- The propeller damage was consistent with the engine being stopped at the moment of impact with the wall.
- The student pilot had 80 hours of flight experience, all in this aircraft type, and the instructor had 495 total hours.