Accident Overview
On October 15, 2020, at approximately 1615 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 152, registration N6585L, was substantially damaged when it collided with an unoccupied parked vehicle after a partial loss of engine power during climb. The accident occurred near South Hill, Washington. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, sustained minor injuries. The airplane was being operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Pre-Accident Events
The pilot had purchased the airplane 8 days before the accident through an online auction. Prior to the purchase, the airplane had been parked outdoors and partially covered for several years. The pilot reported performing work to facilitate an engine run, which included draining fuel from the wing fuel tanks and the airframe fuel filter. During this process, he observed water in the fuel. He continued sumping the fuel tanks and filter until no further water was visible, and conducted multiple engine runs that revealed no issues.
Accident Sequence
On the day of the accident, the pilot decided to relocate the airplane to Auburn, Washington. After an uneventful engine run-up, he initiated takeoff from runway 35. As the airplane climbed through approximately 250 feet above ground level, the engine experienced a partial power loss. The pilot executed a forced landing to a nearby parking lot, during which the airplane struck an unoccupied parked vehicle. The impact resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and wings.
Post-Accident Examination
Evidence of fuel was observed at the accident site. The airplane was recovered to a secure facility for further examination. The left-wing fuel tank was empty, but a fuel line leak was found, consistent with impact damage. The right-wing tank contained about 1.5 gallons of fuel and water. Visual inspection of the tank revealed clear liquid droplets along the bottom, consistent with water, and rust discoloration at the bottom edges. Engine valve and drivetrain continuity was established when the crankshaft was rotated by hand. Cylinder No. 2 was damaged from impact. The top spark plugs exhibited wear, with the No. 1 cylinder plug severely worn. The No. 1 cylinder bottom plug had lead deposits; the No. 2 bottom plug showed foreign debris in the electrode area; and the No. 4 bottom plug was oil-soaked. The magnetos remained attached and produced spark at all terminal leads when the engine was rotated.