History of the Flight
On 26 February 2017, at about 1032 hours Hong Kong local time, a Cessna 152 aircraft, registration B-HHN, departed from Shek Kong Airfield for an Aircraft Rating flight test. The pilot in command was the examiner, and the second pilot was the student undergoing the test. The flight progressed without incident until the aircraft was overhead Tolo Channel in the New Territories, when the pilots noticed an engine problem. The pilot in command assumed control and reported a "rough engine" to Air Traffic Control at approximately 1109 hours. About one minute later, he advised that the engine seemed to be okay and intended to return to Shek Kong. However, at about 1113 hours, the engine condition deteriorated, and he declared an intention to attempt a forced landing near the golf driving range of Garden Farm Golf Centre at Sam Pui Chau. At about 1114 hours, the forced landing was carried out. The aircraft collided with flora and trees adjacent to the driving range, sustaining major damage.
Injuries and Damage
Both pilots were not injured. The aircraft sustained major damage from the collision with trees.
Cause and Contributing Factor
The investigation concluded that the engine power loss was the result of carburettor icing. A contributing factor was the presence of conditions conducive to carburettor icing, given the prevailing temperature and dew point at the accident location, combined with the aircrew’s management of carburettor heat during the flight.
Safety Actions
Following the accident, the Hong Kong Aviation Club implemented proactive safety actions, including issuing post-accident cold weather operation information. The investigation made one safety recommendation, addressed to the regulatory authority.
Investigation Details
The investigation was initially handled by the Accident Investigation Division of the Civil Aviation Department and later transferred to the Air Accident Investigation Authority (AAIA) after its establishment in September 2018. The National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), Civil Aviation Department, and the aircraft operator provided assistance.