Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary MIA95LA191

HOLLY SPRINGS, MS, USA

Aircraft #1

N1774Q

CESSNA 150L

Analysis

The pilot reported the engine lost power while climbing shortly after a touch and go landing. A forced landing was made in a wooded area. Post crash examination showed the oil dip stick was lying loose in the engine compartment and the engine contained no oil. No evidence of post crash oil leakage was found. Examination of the engine showed the exhaust pipes had been heated excessively and the nos. 2 and 3 cylinder valves were held open due to excessive carbon buildup.

Factual Information

On August 2, 1995, about 1740 central daylight time, a Cessna 150L, N1774Q, registered to a private individual, and operated by Memphis East Aviation, Inc., lost engine power and made a forced landing in a wooded area at Holly Springs, Mississippi, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed. The aircraft received substantial damage and the student pilot received minor injuries. The flight originated from Arlington, Tennessee, on August 2, 1995, about 1700. The pilot stated he flew from Arlington to Holly Springs, Mississippi, where he performed a touch-and-go landing, and planned to return to Arlington. During climbout from the touch-go-landing, upon reaching an altitude of 150 feet, the engine lost power. He made a forced landing in a wooded area. Postcrash examination of the aircraft and engine by an FAA inspector and representatives of the operator showed the oil dip stick was lying loose in the engine compartment. No oil was present in the engine and no evidence of postcrash oil leakage was found. The exhaust stacks showed evidence of having been excessively heated. The Nos. 2 and 3 cylinder valves were being held open by excessive carbon build up, causing low cylinder compression.

Probable Cause and Findings

The failure of the pilot-in-command to insure the oil dip stick was secure prior to departure resulting in loss of engine oil, overheating of the engine, and loss of engine power.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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