Peter's Flight Log

After Flight 49, where I practiced circuits and landings in a Cessna 150, my instructor cleared me for a few additional circuits, this time solo. I stopped on the taxi way so my instructor could disembark, and taxied back to runway 35.

I took off and completed the first circuit with no issues at all. I approached for a touch-and-go with the intention of doing a third (and last circuit). 

And around 10 feet above the runway, around the middle of the runway, the engine quit. While the propeller continued to spin, there was no power, and the airplane started to descent.

What happened next?

Leading to the engine failure, and dealing with it

Flying solo can be one of the most exhilarating and challenging experiences for a student pilot. Recently, I encountered an engine failure during a solo flight at Cessnock, an event that tested my skills and quick thinking. Sharing this experience can offer valuable insights into handling similar emergencies and understanding the potential causes behind such incidents.

I also want to mention that I had recently changed my safety briefing to a much shorter version. Instead of going through a series of "if this than that" statements, I switched to something much simpler: "If I experience any abnormality on takeoff with runway remaining, I will re-land the aircraft on the available runway." As you can see in the video, that's exactly what I did.

The Flight Leading Up to the Incident

Having completed four or five dual circuits in a Cessna 150, I felt confident and familiar with the aircraft, especially with the controls and the carb heat system. After completing the pre-flight checks and making the necessary radio calls, I entered the runway for what was supposed to be a routine touch-and-go.

The Engine Failure

Everything seemed normal as I approached the final leg of the circuit. With the carb heat on, speed was good, and the flaps were set appropriately. Upon landing, I retracted the flaps, waited for a few seconds, and then applied full throttle for the touch-and-go. However, shortly after, the engine power suddenly dropped off, leaving me just three to four meters above the ground.

Immediate Response

Recognizing the imminent engine failure, I pulled the power back to idle. Initially considering deploying the flaps, I quickly decided against it due to the proximity to the end of the runway. Instead, I aimed for a flat landing, hoping to maximize the braking efficiency and stop before the runway threshold.

As I touched down, the plane bounced slightly, and I immediately applied the brakes. During this critical moment, I noticed the aircraft drifting slightly to the left, which could have been better managed with the rudder. Despite this, I managed to bring the plane to a stop without any significant damage.

Diagnosing the Issue

Initially, I suspected a fuel issue, considering the engine had been running moments before the failure. The mechanic later identified a leak in the intake manifold gasket as the probable cause. This leak likely allowed excess air into the combustion chamber, disrupting the fuel-air mixture necessary for proper combustion. Under high power settings, this imbalance could have caused the abrupt engine power loss I experienced.

Key Takeaways

1. Stay Calm and Focused: In an emergency, maintaining composure is crucial. Quick thinking and adherence to training can make a significant difference in outcomes.
2. Understand Your Aircraft: Familiarity with the aircraft's systems and handling characteristics can help in diagnosing and responding to issues effectively.
3. Prepare for the Unexpected: Regular training and simulations of emergency scenarios can prepare pilots for real-life incidents, enhancing their ability to react appropriately.
4. Post-Incident Analysis: Reviewing and understanding the cause of the failure can provide valuable lessons and prevent future occurrences. In this case, the gasket leak highlighted the importance of thorough maintenance checks and understanding engine mechanics.

My experience with an engine failure after takeoff at Cessnock underscores the importance of preparation, quick decision-making, and continuous learning as a pilot. By sharing this event, I hope to contribute to the knowledge and preparedness of fellow aviators, ensuring safer skies for everyone.

The likely cause of this engine failure

I shared the video of this solo flight with several experienced pilots and instructors, and one of them, Jonty Moss from Pilot Train, came back to me with a detailed video and analysis that provides a very accurate answer to the question "what caused the engine power loss". Jonty's analysis is compatible with the report from the mechanic who inspected the airplane. 

Jonty's analysis

To better understand what caused the engine failure, aviation expert Jonty Moss analyzed the event, providing valuable insights and explanations.

Immediate Observations: Jonty began by highlighting the  drop in RPM despite the throttle being fully open, an indicator of a serious issue.

Investigating the Intake Manifold Gasket: Jonty focused his research on the intake manifold gasket, referencing an article from the Experimental Aircraft Association (EAA) that discussed the often-overlooked maintenance of intake gaskets. According to the article, intake system failures typically lack warning signs and can be challenging to detect due to their location on the engine.

Symptoms and Indicators: Jonty identified a few key symptoms of a leaking intake manifold gasket:

• Engine Hunting: During taxiing, a leaking gasket can cause the engine to hunt or fluctuate as it struggles to maintain a consistent air-fuel mixture.
• Exhaust Gas Temperature (EGT): Variations in the EGT can also indicate issues with the intake system.
• Blue Fuel Stains: Visible blue fuel stains around the intake tube can signify a gasket leak.

Jonty noted that while these symptoms can be subtle, they become more apparent when the engine is under stress, such as during takeoff when the engine vibrates and operates at maximum power. This scenario aligns with the incident, as the engine failure occurred shortly after leaving ground effect and reaching full power.

Engine Vibration and Detachment: Jonty speculated that the gasket might have been partially detached, which worsened under the engine's maximum vibration and power during takeoff. This would explain the sudden loss of power as the gasket completely failed, disrupting the engine's air-fuel mixture and causing it to stop producing power.

Conclusion and Recommendations

Key Takeaways:

1. Regular Maintenance Checks: Ensuring that intake manifold gaskets are thoroughly inspected during routine maintenance can prevent such incidents. It's crucial to adhere to the recommended 500 and 1000-hour maintenance intervals and not overlook components like the intake gasket.
2. Monitor Engine Behavior: Pilots should be vigilant about any irregular engine behavior, such as hunting or unusual EGT readings, especially during taxiing and high-power settings.
3. Understand Failure Signs: Being aware of potential failure signs, such as blue fuel stains, can help in early detection and resolution of issues before they escalate.

Sharing and Learning: Jonty encouraged sharing such experiences with the aviation community to enhance learning and safety. By analyzing and discussing these incidents, pilots can better prepare for and respond to similar situations, ultimately contributing to safer skies.

Final Thoughts

My engine failure incident at Cessnock underscores the importance of meticulous maintenance and continuous education in aviation. Thanks to Jonty Moss's thorough analysis, I have a clearer understanding of what might have caused the failure, and felt confident enough to share this information with you.

If you have any questions or experiences to share, feel free to reach out by leaving a question or comment on YouTube.