Introduction
On September 3, 2006, at 16:55 UTC, a Cessna 152, registration CS-AZB, operated by Aeropiloto Lda on behalf of the Aero Clube de Torres Vedras, performed an emergency landing in an unprepared agricultural field near Barril, Torres Vedras, Portugal. The aircraft experienced a partial loss of engine power during a leisure flight.
History of the Flight
The aircraft departed from Santa Cruz aerodrome (Torres Vedras Municipal Aerodrome) at 16:35 UTC with a pilot and one passenger on board, intending a coastal leisure flight at low altitude (approximately 1000 feet AMSL) between Santa Cruz and Ericeira. While approaching Ericeira, the pilot noticed that the engine was not producing the selected power. He attempted to restore normal operation by executing the manufacturer's recommended checklist procedures. Unable to increase engine RPM beyond 1200–1700, the pilot made a 180-degree turn and headed back to the departure aerodrome. Lacking sufficient power to maintain altitude, the aircraft gradually descended. Concluding that Santa Cruz was unreachable, the pilot sought a clear field for a precautionary landing. He identified an agricultural field near Barril that met minimum requirements, prepared the aircraft, and landed in an east-west direction, utilizing the uphill slope.
The landing was normal, and the aircraft rolled about 100 meters until the nose wheel touched down. Shortly after, the nose wheel entered a cavity in the ground, causing the propeller and nose to contact the soil. Simultaneously, the left wing tip struck the ground, resulting in damage. The aircraft came to rest upright on its three landing gear wheels.
Injuries
Both the pilot and passenger exited the aircraft by their own means and sustained no injuries.
Aircraft Damage
The aircraft suffered minor damage to the nose landing gear, a broken steering actuator rod, and scratches and deformation to the propeller blades and hub. The lower engine cowling, engine mount, and engine control rods were deformed and exhibited small fractures. The left wing tip was crumpled with torn skin; leverage from the tip collision caused deformation of the wing structure near the root and the fuselage, along with a tear and deformation of the wing skin near the left flap base.
Other Damage
No third-party damage occurred, as the field was fallow with no crops.
Weather
The weather was good with clear skies and moderate wind from the northeast (020° at 12–15 knots at LPSC). Along the coast, sea haze and low clouds were present from Cabo Raso to Aveiro. Land temperatures ranged from 30°C inland to 20°C near the coast.
Location
The occurrence site was an agricultural field approximately 10 km south of Santa Cruz aerodrome, near the coast. The field was fallow with some stubble, no trees, and an uphill slope of about 15% to the west. The soil was uneven with shallow furrows and deeper holes concealed by vegetation. The nose wheel entered one such hole, causing most of the damage.
Wreckage and Impact
The aircraft landed in a slightly nose-high attitude; the main landing gear handled the terrain irregularities well. When the nose wheel contacted the ground, its geometry and fragility could not absorb the unevenness, and upon entering a hole, the nose dropped, causing the propeller hub and blades to strike the ground. This damaged the engine mount, controls, lower cowling, and nose gear. The left wing tip contacted the ground, tearing the skin and destroying the leading edge and position light. Deformations at the wing root and fuselage were consistent with leverage from the tip collision at low speed.
Medical and Pathological
No relevant findings.
Fire
There was no fire.
Survival
Not applicable.
Tests and Research
An inspection was requested (details not provided in the source).