History of Flight
On November 13, 2023, at approximately 0730 local time, a Cessna 152 (RP-C8840) operated by Omni Aviation Corporation departed on a solo navigational flight from Zaragosa to Guimba, both in Nueva Ecija. The pilot, a private pilot license holder, was the sole occupant. While cruising at 2,000 ft AGL under visual meteorological conditions, the pilot noticed engine roughness and low oil pressure. Shortly after, the engine lost power entirely. Several attempts to restart the engine were unsuccessful. The pilot performed a forced landing in a rice field in Barangay Tabing Ilog, Licab, Zaragoza, Nueva Ecija.
Forced Landing and Impact
The aircraft initially touched down on its main landing gear. It bounced after striking an embankment, then touched down on the nose wheel approximately 75 feet from the initial touchdown point. The aircraft continued forward another 75 feet before the nose wheel collapsed, causing a propeller strike. The aircraft came to rest inverted. It sustained substantial damage.
Pilot and Aircraft Information
The pilot held a Private Pilot License (No. 151834) valid until December 31, 2023, with a single-engine land rating. His total flight time was 156 hours and 49 minutes, all on the Cessna 152. The aircraft was a 1979 Cessna 152 (serial 15282354) with a total airframe time of 18,608 hours and 50 minutes. The engine was a Lycoming O-235-L2C (serial RL-23652-15) with 12,402 hours since new and 582 hours since overhaul. The propeller was a Sensenich fixed-pitch two-blade.
Engine Failure Cause
The Aircraft Accident Investigation and Inquiry Board (AAIIB) determined that the loss of engine power resulted from a failure of the engine crankshaft.
Investigation and Safety Actions
The investigation was conducted by the AAIIB. No safety actions were mentioned in the report.