Incident
On May 29, 2010, at approximately 1030 central daylight time, a single-engine Cessna 140, registration N76287, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing near Amelia Earhart Airport (K59) in Atchison, Kansas. The commercial-rated pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The airplane was operated by a private individual under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, the engine "just quit" shortly after departure. He applied carburetor heat and switched fuel tanks, but these actions did not restore power. He then performed a forced landing on a nearby road. During the landing, the landing gear collapsed, and the airplane impacted and came to rest in a ditch.
Examination Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane. Fuel was visible in the left wing fuel tank, but the amount in the right tank could not be verified due to the airplane's attitude without landing gear. Fuel sampled from each tank appeared clean and free of contaminants. Fuel was also found in the engine's carburetor. The engine was rotated by hand, and continuity throughout the engine was confirmed. Both left and right magnetos appeared to function properly.
A review of carburetor icing probability charts, given the atmospheric conditions at the time of takeoff, indicated that the airplane was operating within the "moderate or serious icing - cruise or descent power" range.
Conclusion
The reason for the loss of engine power was not determined.