What happened
On February 9, 2017, a Cessna 150F, registration N-8736G, was conducting a private flight in the Dominican Republic. After departing from Sabana Tosa and flying for approximately 30 minutes near the departure point, the aircraft's engine experienced a partial loss of power followed by significant vibrations.
To manage the emergency, the pilot performed a forced landing in a sugarcane field located in Batey Diego, San Pedro de Macorís. Upon impact with the irregular terrain, the aircraft traveled approximately 40 feet. The two occupants on board, the pilot and a passenger, were both uninjured.
The investigation
The CIAA investigation focused on the mechanical failure of the engine and the condition of the fuel system. Investigators performed borescope inspections of the engine cylinders and the fuel tanks. While the engine operated successfully when tested with an external fuel source, inspections of the aircraft's internal systems revealed critical issues.
In the left fuel tank, investigators found sediment and foreign matter. Furthermore, a borescope inspection of the fuel system vent revealed an obstruction. This blockage created a vacuum effect, preventing the fuel from flowing via gravity to the engine.