Incident Overview
On 4 November 2025, at approximately 13:28 local time (19:28 UTC), a Cessna 150M, registration YS-205PE, experienced a partial loss of engine power while conducting instructional maneuvers over a grass auxiliary runway at Hacienda San Clemente, located in Armenia, Sonsonate Department, El Salvador. The aircraft was operated by Oscar Wilfredo Blanco Rodríguez and used by Academia Superior de Aviación. The two occupants—a flight instructor and a student pilot—were uninjured, and the aircraft sustained no damage from the landing.
Flight History
The flight originated from Ilopango Airport as a dual-control visual instructional mission. The planned route included patterns over Lake Coatepeque at 4,500 feet and a return to Ilopango, with the purpose of training and landmark recognition, specifically focusing on an auxiliary grass strip. The aircraft had an estimated fuel endurance of 2.5 hours at departure. A second aircraft from the same school accompanied the flight. Preflight checks, including engine run-up, revealed no anomalies; oil level was verified at 4.8 quarts.
Sequence of Events
Approximately 1.5 hours after departure, while at a reconnaissance altitude of 1,500 feet above the auxiliary strip, the instructor perceived engine roughness. During a subsequent climb to the initial altitude of 3,500 feet MSL, after simulating a touch-and-go, the engine exhibited RPM oscillations and a loss of power. The instructor assumed control, declared a MAYDAY as a precaution, and attempted corrective actions including mixture adjustments. Receiving no response, the instructor decided to land immediately on the grass strip. The aircraft's altitude allowed a 180-degree turn for final approach. The landing was smooth and controlled with full flaps deployed.
Post-Incident Inspection
Examination of the aircraft at the incident site revealed no structural damage from the landing. However, several pre-existing maintenance issues were documented: the fuselage showed general wear from continuous use; the cabin had a VOR unit without proper electrical installation; the electrical wiring (EWIS) exhibited poorly routed, unsecured cables and unsealed, unidentified unused wire ends; the engine had minor oil leaks near the carburetor; and one magneto had rotated from its original position. The propeller was undamaged. No damage to third parties occurred.
The instructor held a valid commercial pilot license with multiengine, instrument, and instructor ratings, and a total of 452 logged flight hours, including 215 hours on the aircraft involved or its group. The student pilot held a valid student pilot permit with restrictions. No prior incidents were recorded for the instructor.