| Crash location | 34.132223°N, 115.945833°W |
| Nearest city | Twentynine Palm, CA
34.135558°N, 116.054169°W 6.2 miles away |
| Tail number | N50346 |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 02 Dec 2002 |
| Aircraft type | Cessna 150H |
| Additional details: | None |
On December 2, 2002, at 1930 Pacific standard time, a Cessna 150H, N50346, experienced a loss of engine power and collided with terrain during a forced landing near Twentynine Palms, California. A private individual was operating the airplane under the provisions of 14 CFR Part 91. Neither the certified flight instructor (CFI) nor the student pilot was injured; the airplane sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan had not been filed. The local instructional flight originated at Twentynine Palms Airport about 1900.
In a written statement, the CFI stated that the purpose of the flight was for the student pilot to perform practice touch-and-go takeoffs and landings on runway 26. After completing two uneventful landings, the student pilot input full throttle and began the third takeoff. Over halfway down the runway, about 75 feet above ground level, the student told the CFI that he did not think the engine was developing full power. The CFI took over the controls and confirmed the partial power condition. He attempted to maintain altitude by pitching for best rate of climb, and began a shallow turn to the left in an effort to avoid power lines that he knew were in close proximity.
As he realized that the airplane was not able to sustain lift, the CFI configured the airplane for a soft field landing. With the airplane approaching an airport fence, the CFI touched down. The nose landing gear impacted a bush and the airplane nosed over.
Temperatures were obtained from MCAS Twentynine Palms, located 14 miles west-northwest from the Twentynine Palms Airport. At 1855, the temperature was 52 degrees Fahrenheit and the dew point was 32 degrees Fahrenheit. At 2000, the temperature was 48 degrees Fahrenheit and the dew point was 32 degrees Fahrenheit. The temperatures were applied to an industry Carburetor Icing Probability Chart, and both recorded temperatures were within the "serious icing at glide power" portion of the chart.
The improper use of carburetor heat, and the instructor's inadequate supervision which resulted in a loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.