N5522R

On June 10, 1994, about 1900 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 172, N5522R, lost total engine power about 100 feet above the ground during takeoff climb from runway 16 at the York Airport located in York, Pennsylvania. A forced landing was made in a field near the end of the runway. The certificated flight instructor (CFI) and private pilot received minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The proficiency flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91.

The CFI reported, "At about 100 feet AGL [the] engine stopped running as we were approaching the departure end of runway 16. [The student] was flying, we had very few seconds to react, he recycled the throttle with no improvement in RPM. I yelled "Get the nose down," as he turned right to avoid an excavation site, power lines and a hill. I then pushed the yoke forward to avoid a stall. Next thing we were in the wheat field to the right of the runway. We didn't have enough time and/or altitude to properly flair. The aircraft nosed over and we evacuated and walked away."

Examination of the airframe and engine did not disclose any anomalies. The airplane's fuel tanks were full and the fuel selector valve was selected to the "BOTH" position. The carburetor was torn away from the engine and the throttle linkage to the carburetor was damaged.