Incident Overview
On December 12, 2008, at approximately 0915 central standard time, a Cessna 182, registration N5495B, piloted by a private pilot, sustained minor damage after a loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing near Meacham International Airport (FTW) in Fort Worth, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time. The personal flight was conducted under Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The cross-country flight had originated at Pearland Regional Airport (LVJ) in Houston, Texas.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that while turning from downwind to base, the engine revolutions per minute (RPM) dropped near idle and the engine ceased producing power. He attempted to restore power by switching magnetos, selecting a different fuel tank, and activating carburetor heat. Despite these efforts, the engine did not regain normal power, necessitating an off-field landing in a grass field approximately three miles from the airport. The landing was successful.
Shortly after landing, the engine resumed producing power, and the pilot began to taxi slowly. While moving forward at about two miles per hour, the nose gear struck a soft spot in the terrain, causing the airplane to nosed over. The pilot later stated he thought he had turned on the carburetor heat "too late."
Meteorological Conditions
At 0853, an automated weather reporting station at FTW recorded a temperature of 4 degrees Celsius and a dew point of -1 degree Celsius. According to the carburetor icing chart in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) publication FAA-P-8740-24, "Tips on Winter Flying," these conditions indicated moderate icing at cruise power or serious icing at glide power.
Post-Accident Inspection
Post-accident examination revealed that both fuel tanks contained between one-quarter and one-half tank of fuel. A propeller strike inspection of the engine found no anomalies. The aircraft had flown approximately 12 hours since the accident with no reported problems. The incident was originally classified as an accident due to suspected spar damage to the right wing, but was later downgraded after no spar damage was discovered during repairs to the right wing tip.