What happened
On 19 May 2011, a Reims Cessna FA152 Aerobat, registration G-LEIC, was conducting a training flight departing from Leicester Airport. While climbing through approximately 1,700 feet, the engine experienced a sudden loss of power, with the RPM dropping from roughly 2,450 to near-idle. The pilot attempted to restore power by pumping the throttle, which resulted in brief bursts of up to 2,400 RPM, but these were insufficient to maintain level flight.
After verifying that the fuel and magnetos were functioning correctly, the mixture was set to rich, and carburettor heat was applied, the pilot identified a suitable field near Kilby, Leicestershire, for an emergency landing. The aircraft touched down normally in the field; however, during the ground roll, the nosewheel struck a furrow. This impact caused the nose gear leg to separate and resulted in the aircraft inverting. Both the pilot and the passenger sustained minor injuries and were able to exit the aircraft through the side doors.
The investigation
The AAIB investigation included an examination of the aircraft by an approved maintenance organisation. The investigation confirmed that the aircraft had sufficient fuel, with over 50 litres remaining on board. Because the aircraft had been inverted during the accident, checking for water in the fuel was difficult, but since the aircraft had flown earlier that day without refueling, water contamination was deemed unlikely.
An inspection of the engine revealed that the magnetos were secure and the oil level was sufficient. While the carburettor was damaged during the impact, the fact that the pilot could briefly regain power by pumping the throttle indicated that the accelerator jet was operational and fuel was reaching the cylinders. This pointed toward a potential issue with fuel delivery from the main carburettor jet.
Findings
- The engine power loss occurred suddenly during the climb phase of the flight.
- A fuel delivery problem from the main carburettor jet is the suspected cause of the initial power loss.
- Although meteorological conditions presented a moderate risk of carburettor icing, the symptoms described by the pilot did not align with typical icing behavior.
- The aircraft sustained damage to the propeller, upper wing surface, and vertical tail, and the nose gear leg separated upon impact with a furrow.