This January 2010 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Cessna 150. Injuries: None. Location: Doylestown, Pa. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The accident flight was the first flight since an overhauled engine was installed. The temperature and dew point at the time of the accident were favorable for serious carburetor ice at cruise power.
The pilot performed an engine run-up before takeoff and did not note any discrepancies. During the initial climb, however, when the airplane was between 50 and 75 feet above ground level, the engine lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing into a field.
Probable cause: A partial loss of engine power due to carburetor icing.
For more information: NTSB.gov. NTSB Identification: ERA10LA104
