N757XC

On October 9, 1998, at 1230 central daylight time, a Cessna 152 single-engine airplane, N757XC, registered to and operated by Bridgeport Flight Training Center of Bridgeport, Texas, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a partial loss of engine power near Bridgeport, Texas. The private pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 local flight. The flight was originating from the Bridgeport Municipal Airport at the time of the accident.

The pilot reported in the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, and in a written statement, that he had performed a cross-country flight from the Bridgeport Municipal Airport to the Sherman Municipal Airport earlier in the day. He stated that approximately 6-7 miles from the Sherman Municipal Airport, while at 3,000 feet msl, the engine began running "slightly rough". He landed at the Sherman Municipal Airport and contacted the Bridgeport Flight Training Center.

The 106-hour pilot further reported that he was instructed to "clean the magnetos by applying full power and leaning the mixture." He was also told that "if the magnetos cleared up," and he felt comfortable with the situation, he could return to the Bridgeport Municipal Airport. The pilot stated that after the run-up, "the magnetos functioned perfectly fine;" therefore, he returned to the Bridgeport Municipal Airport.

The pilot also reported that after returning to Bridgeport and refueling the aircraft, he elected to perform "a couple of touch-and-goes." During the run-up, when he checked the magnetos, "they were perfectly fine, so I took off." During the takeoff initial climb, at approximately 200 feet, the engine lost partial power. The pilot performed a forced landing to a nearby "small" field. During the landing roll, the airplane struck the trees, which lined the edge of the field.

Examination of the aircraft wreckage by the FAA inspector revealed that the nose landing gear had collapsed. The leading edge of both wings, the horizontal stabilizer, and the engine firewall were damaged. Examination of the fuel system revealed usable fuel in both fuel tanks.

The operator reported that the Lycoming O-235-L2C engine, S/N L-18321-5, had accumulated 4,512.2 hours since its last overhaul.