Accident Overview
On May 2, 2015, at 0900 central daylight time, a Cessna 150F, registration N8558G, collided with trees during an off-airport forced landing in Neillsville, Wisconsin, following a loss of engine power. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was substantially damaged. The flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed.
Sequence of Events
The flight originated from Wausau Downtown Airport (AUW) in Wausau, Wisconsin, at approximately 0820, with the intended destination being Neillsville Municipal Airport (VIQ). The pilot reported a normal engine start and run-up. After waiting for other traffic to clear, he taxied and took off without incident. About 20 minutes after takeoff, the engine power decreased to idle in about one second. The pilot applied carburetor heat, and the engine regained cruise power. Approximately two minutes later, he turned the carburetor heat off. The engine produced cruise power for about four minutes before again dropping to idle. Once more, the pilot applied carburetor heat; the engine power momentarily increased to full power before falling back to idle. The pilot cycled the carburetor heat and verified the positions of the throttle, magnetos, fuel selector, engine primer, and mixture, but the engine remained at idle.
Forced Landing and Impact
The pilot identified a field with downward sloping terrain for landing. He cleared power lines bordering the field. After touching down, the airplane floated in ground effect and came to an abrupt stop against trees.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident inspection by a Federal Aviation Administration airworthiness inspector found no mechanical failure or malfunction that would have prevented normal operation. The fuel system was intact. Upon first examination, the left fuel tank contained about one-quarter fuel, and the right tank contained about one-eighth fuel. The pilot noted a strong odor of fuel after the accident. The aircraft's total fuel capacity is 26 gallons, with 3.5 gallons unusable. The pilot reported departing with about 10 gallons of fuel; the airplane's fuel consumption is approximately 6 gallons per hour.
Weather Conditions
At 0854, the temperature and dewpoint at Marshfield Municipal Airport (MFI), about three miles from the accident site, were 17°C (63°F) and 4°C (39°F), respectively. According to the FAA SAIB CE-09-35 "Carburetor Icing Prevention" chart, serious icing at glide power was probable, while a risk of carburetor icing at cruise power was not probable.