Accident Overview
On June 2, 2022, at approximately 1803 central daylight time, a Cessna 172P, registration N65497, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Ennis, Texas. The aircraft was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The flight instructor and pilot were not injured.
While en route to Ennis Municipal Airport (F41), the flight instructor reported that engine power decreased by about 200 rpm on two separate occasions. The pilot flew an approach to Runway 16 and executed a go-around due to excess airspeed. When the throttle and carburetor heat controls were advanced fully forward, engine power only increased to about 2,000 rpm.
The flight instructor adjusted the mixture control and reapplied carburetor heat in an attempt to restore power, but power further decreased. Consequently, a forced landing was initiated to an open field. During the landing roll, the flight instructor turned right to avoid cows, and the airplane impacted a tree, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing.
Engine Examination
Postaccident examination of the engine revealed normal engine continuity and no anomalies with the carburetor. Four hold-down studs on the No. 1 cylinder were found fractured, with separated pieces located in the bottom of the cowling. No other anomalies that would have precluded normal engine operation were observed, and no impact damage occurred in the vicinity of the engine. All spark plugs displayed signatures consistent with normal engine operation when compared to a Champion Check-a-Plug chart.
Weather Conditions
At the time of the accident, weather conditions were conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power.