Accident Overview
On February 19, 2014, at approximately 1130 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150G, registration N3882J, experienced a total loss of engine power after takeoff from Galion Municipal Airport (GQQ) in Galion, Ohio. The aircraft was forced to land in an agricultural field. The private pilot and a passenger were not injured. The airplane sustained substantial damage, including damage to the fuselage and engine mounts.
The flight was operated under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight by a private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
Pilot Narrative
The pilot reported that during the preflight inspection, no abnormalities or fuel contaminants were observed. After starting the engine, the pilot allowed the engine temperature to rise before taxiing due to cold ambient temperatures. The pre-departure engine run-up was normal, and takeoff was smooth until reaching approximately 400–500 feet above ground level, when the engine misfired. The pilot pulled the carburetor heat control, verified the primer was in the locked position, and confirmed the fuel selector valve was on. Despite these actions, the engine lost power completely. Unable to restore power, the pilot executed a forced landing into a field.
Aircraft and Engine Examination
The aircraft, manufactured in 1967, was a two-seat, high-wing monoplane with tricycle landing gear, powered by a Continental Motors O-200 engine. An FAA inspector conducted a postaccident examination of the engine and fuel system. The examination found crankshaft, lifter, and valve continuity, compression in all four cylinders, and sparks from all eight ignition wires. Fuel samples from the fuel lines, carburetor, and gascolator showed no visible water. However, a few drops of water were observed when the airframe fuel sump was drained. The carburetor was opened and showed no anomalies; the float was unremarkable. Water-indicating paste applied to the fuel did not indicate water contamination.
Weather Conditions
The closest weather reporting facility was Mansfield Lahm Regional Airport, located 12 miles northeast of the accident site. At 1052, an automated weather observation reported wind from 030 degrees at 5 knots, clear sky, visibility 9 statute miles, temperature 21°F, dewpoint 7°F, and barometric pressure 29.84 inches of mercury. According to a carburetor icing probability chart, these conditions would not produce carburetor icing at cruise or glide power settings.