Off Airport Landings

What are some of the things to consider if you are faced with the
heartpounding reality of an engine failure and an off airport
unscheduled landing? Hmmmmm? I promise you, been there and done that
more than once.


You said that you have been there and done that more than once. Why don't
you share your experiences with us, so we can learn something?

Toks Desalu
PP-ASEL
Dyin' to Soar

Toks
Fuel contamination, night, over forested area. Engine running roughly
for :10/:15 prior to quitting. Trying to find any clear area with near
total darkness, headed for an airport beacon off in the distance.
engine finally quit cold. Headed down at best glide speed, full flaps
prior to touchdown, doors popped open (C-150), aiming for midline of
trees, seat belts pulled tight (prior to shoulder harness being common
or required) and seats full back. Impacted into tree tops under control
but jerked around when left wingtip hit the top of a pine tree and
impacted directly into a big oak tree. Both of us jacknifed over the
seat belts into the panel. Both with serious head injuries but we
survived the crash. Aircraft was destroyed. No post impact fire. Took
nearly 8 hours before we were found by a USCG helicopter that had been
dispatched to look for us. One of the crew members happened to be
looking down at the crash site when my student struck three matches in
a clump and saw the matches flare up. That was my first one and the
only one resulting in injuries to anyone. Happened in 1967.