LEVELLAND, TX, USA
N17299
Cessna 150L
The pilot was practicing steep turns in a practice area adjacent to an airport when the engine lost power. The pilot did not attempt a restart and executed a forced approach/landing to a field. The airplane came to rest inverted in the field (soft terrain). Examination of the cockpit area revealed that the mixture control was in a 'maximum lean setting.' Once the airplane was righted, the mixture was pushed in to a richer position, and the FAA inspector started, and ground tested the engine. The engine appeared to operate normally.
On June 13, 1996, at 1730 central daylight time, a Cessna 150L, N17299, registered to and operated by Levelland Aviation, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power near Levelland, Texas. The student pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, received minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the Title 14 CFR Part 91 solo instructional flight. The following paragraph is based on information provided by a FAA inspector and a NTSB interview with the operator. The pilot was practicing steep turns in a practice area adjacent to Levelland Municipal Airport when the engine lost power. The pilot did not attempt a restart and executed a forced approach/landing to a field. The airplane came to rest inverted in the field (soft terrain). Examination of the cockpit area revealed that the mixture control was in a "maximum lean setting." Once the airplane was righted, the mixture was pushed in to a richer position, and the FAA inspector started, and ground tested the engine. The engine appeared to operate normally. Carburetor icing probability charts were examined with the local temperature and dew point conditions. According to the chart, carburetor icing was determined not to be a factor. Fueling records indicated there was ample fuel in the aircraft prior to the flight, and fuel was found in the tanks at the accident site. Numerous attempts to obtain a completed NTSB Form 6120.1/2 (Pilot/Operator Report) were unsuccessful. The last attempt (certified mail) was returned to the regional office undelivered, "box closed."
The student pilot's improper use of mixture control resulting in a loss of engine power. A factor was the unsuitable terrain for the forced landing.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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