January 11, 2012, Fitchburg, Mass., Cessna 150G

The airplane was substantially damaged at 0930 Eastern time during an impact with terrain following loss of engine power during initial climb. The flight instructor received minor injuries and the student pilot was seriously injured. Visual conditions prevailed. After two touch-and-go landings at a nearby airport, the engine began to run rough. The flight instructor took control, lowered the angle of attack and applied carburetor heat. The engine “immediately ran rougher” and the flight instructor pushed in the carburetor heat knob.

Editorial Staff

Tuesday, February 28, 2012 at 12:00 AM ET

Verified

Key Takeaways:

An airplane crashed and was substantially damaged, injuring both pilots, after experiencing a loss of engine power during initial climb following touch-and-go landings.
The engine began running rough, and applying carburetor heat unexpectedly worsened its operation, leading to an inability to maintain flight.
Post-crash examination revealed a disconnected fuel line at the carburetor, with evidence of corrosion and fretting on the fitting threads, indicating a likely cause for the engine power loss.

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After two touch-and-go landings at a nearby airport, the engine began to run rough. The flight instructor took control, lowered the angle of attack and applied carburetor heat. The engine “immediately ran rougher” and the flight instructor pushed in the carburetor heat knob. The engine then ran “less rough.” He tried to keep the airplane flying and was successful for about 15 to 20 seconds, but it then settled and struck trees.