ATL97LA037

After departing and climbing to a cruise altitude of 1500 feet msl, the engine gradually lost power. The pilot stated he chose that altitude because of cloud ceiling. He did not indicate his distance from the ceiling, however, the local airport indicated a scattered layer of clouds at 2500 feet. According to the pilot, during the ensuing forced landing, he saw power lines appear in front of him. He pulled up abruptly to avoid the wires, stalled the airplane, then impacted the water. A reason for the engine power loss was not found during it's subsequent examination. The ambient conditions on the surface were not conducive to carburetor icing.

On February 6, 1997, about 1645 eastern standard time, a Cessna 152, N67544, collided with the water during a forced landing at Key West, Florida. The airplane was operated by Ambassador Airways under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91, and visual flight rules. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. A flight plan was not filed for the personal flight to Naples, Florida. There were no injuries to the private pilot, the only occupant, and the airplane was substantially damaged. Origination of the flight was the Key West International Airport, Key West, Florida, at an undetermined time, on the same day.

According to the pilot, after departing Key West and leveling at 1,500 feet for cruise, because of a cloud ceiling, the engine power gradually reduced. There was no sputtering nor misfiring of the engine. He stated he applied carburetor heat, checked the fuel selector valve, ensured the mixture was rich, and checked that both magnetos were selected, with no results. A forced landing was attempted to the Key West Naval Air Station. During the landing attempt, the pilot suddenly saw wires in his flight path that he maneuvered abruptly to avoid, then the airplane collided with the water. The pilot also stated that prior to departure, he checked fuel from the gascolator and the tanks' low point drains. No contamination was discovered.

After the airplane was removed from the water and examined, the fuel system was found compromised, and the carburetor broken open. The gascolator was found with both fuel and water in it. Ambient conditions on the surface were not suitable for the formation of carburetor icing,