Accident Summary
On July 13, 2021, at approximately 1056 eastern daylight time, a Cessna A150K, registration N8412M, was substantially damaged in an accident near Brooksville, Florida. The aircraft, operated as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91, was occupied by a commercial pilot and a passenger, both of whom sustained minor injuries.
According to the pilot, a thorough preflight inspection was conducted before departure. About 25 minutes after takeoff, while cruising at 1,600 ft mean sea level, the pilot noted an audible reduction in engine rpm, followed by vibration and a loss of engine power. During the subsequent forced landing, the pilot cycled the carburetor heat and verified the mixture control was set to rich. The fuel selector was confirmed in the ON position, and an attempt to restart the engine was unsuccessful. The aircraft then performed a forced landing into a heavily wooded area.
Investigation Findings
A postaccident examination of the engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical anomalies that would have prevented normal operation. The propeller spinner was dented and removed before starting the engine to eliminate vibration. The fuel sump was drained, revealing automotive fuel that appeared dark in color. An external fuel tank was connected to the carburetor, and the engine started and ran smoothly at various power settings with no anomalies noted.
Photographs provided by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector at the accident site showed substantial damage to the engine mounts and wing spars.
Weather Conditions
At 1053, the weather reported at Brooksville-Tampa Bay Regional Airport (BKV), approximately 6 miles southwest of the accident site, included a temperature of 29°C and a dew point of 24°C, yielding a relative humidity of 74%. Review of the icing probability chart in FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35 indicated that the atmospheric conditions at the time were "conducive to serious icing at glide and cruise power."