Forced/precautionary landing involving a Cessna 172N, VH-HWX, Shute Harbour, Queensland, on 16 November 1995

Sequence of Events

As part of the take-off checklist, the pilot checked both magnetos and the carburettor heat control for function. Following take-off and climb to about 1,000ft, the engine commenced to run rough with large drops in rpm. The pilot decided to return to the aerodrome but during the return the engine suffered a total power loss. He was unable to restore power by completing the trouble checks which included the application of carburettor heat and ensuring a fuel supply with the fuel selector on both tanks.

During the forced landing, the pilot landed with a 10-knot tail wind more than halfway along the strip. He was unable to stop the aircraft from overrunning the end of the strip. The aircraft was damaged by foliage.

Afterwards the engine's fuel and air supply were checked by a maintenance organisation and found to be serviceable. Both magnetos were benchchecked and functioned normally. The Bureau of Meteorology indicated that at the time of the accident the relative humidity was 100% with a temperature of 25 degrees.

Analysis

The aircraft was being operated in an environment where serious icing at descent power was probable. Icing at higher power settings was also possible.

During the return to the aerodrome, the pilot misjudged the forced landing approach, and the aircraft overran the end of the strip