Engine power loss leads to forced landing at Hölleberg airfield

Casualties unknown • Flugplatz Hölleberg, DE

A Cessna 172 H experienced a sudden loss of engine power during final approach, resulting in a forced landing into vegetation and minor injuries to four occupants.

What happened

On June 21, 2013, a Cessna 172 H was performing its third 13-minute recreational flight of the day at Hölleberg airfield (EDVL). The pilot had previously completed two similar flights, noting that the weather had been difficult due to a recent storm, but the initial flights were uneventful. During the final approach to runway 26, the aircraft entered a localized rain shower.

As the pilot transitioned from the base leg to the final approach, the carburetor heat was moved from the previously applied setting back to the "cold" position. During the final third of the approach, the pilot experienced a sudden and significant loss of engine power, describing the sensation as if the aircraft had encountered "glue." Despite increasing the throttle, the engine failed to respond. The airspeed dropped from approximately 55 to 45 knots. The pilot attempted to reach the runway threshold, but the aircraft struck vegetation approximately 240 meters east of the runway end. The impact caused the nose gear to break and resulted in heavy damage to the aircraft, including a bent propeller and structural damage to the wings and fuselage. The four occupants sustained minor injuries.

The investigation

The BFU examined the aircraft, the site, and available flight data, including GPS records and a video recorded by a passenger. The investigation focused on the engine's performance and the fuel state of the aircraft. Investigators noted that the aircraft's fuel gauges were both at their lowest reading during the final approach. The total fuel remaining upon landing was found to be approximately seven liters.

Findings

  • The aircraft was operating in conditions conducive to carburetor icing due to high humidity within the rain shower.
  • The pilot had moved the carburetor heat to the "cold" position just prior to the engine power loss.
  • The aircraft was flying with extremely low fuel reserves; the total remaining fuel was approximately seven liters, which is near the limit of the unusable fuel capacity.
  • The engine power loss occurred approximately 10 seconds before ground contact, as documented by the stall warning and video footage.

Probable cause

The sudden loss of engine power was likely caused by carburetor icing following the removal of carburetor heat while flying through a rain shower, compounded by critically low fuel levels.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 2013-06-21 Reims Aviation Cessna/ F 172 H accident near Flugplatz Hölleberg, DE?

A Cessna 172 H experienced a sudden loss of engine power during final approach, resulting in a forced landing into vegetation and minor injuries to four occupants.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2013-06-21 involved a Reims Aviation Cessna/ F 172 H, at Flugplatz Hölleberg, DE.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The sudden loss of engine power was likely caused by carburetor icing following the removal of carburetor heat while flying through a rain shower, compounded by critically low fuel levels.

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