DEN07LA130

According to the pilot, at approximately 400 feet the "engine sputtered, and then smoothed out." The pilot stated that the engine sputtered again and then "quit." He attempted to restart the engine but was not successful. The airplane impacted trees, resulting in substantial damage. An examination of the airplane and the powerplant revealed no anomalies. Several weather observation stations recorded the temperature and dewpoint as 24 degrees Celsius (C) and 19 degrees C, respectively. According to the carburetor icing chart, conditions were conducive for "serious icing at glide power."

On July 27, 2007, at 0817 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 150L, N19052, owned and piloted by the accident pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain following a loss of engine power while departing from Cooperstown-Westville Airport, Cooperstown, New York. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 without a flight plan. The student pilot sustained serious injuries. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report Form submitted by the student pilot, he had just departed runway 20 (2,337 feet by 125 feet, turf). At approximately 400 feet the "engine sputtered, and then smoothed out." The student pilot stated that the engine sputtered again and then "quit." He attempted to restart the engine but was not successful. The student pilot stated that he attempted a shallow turn to reach a clearing but missed it by "about 20 or 30 feet." He stated that he felt the loss of power was due to "icing, as it was very warm and humid."

According to the Federal Aviation Administration inspector who traveled to the accident scene, the airplane impacted trees. Both wings were crushed aft and both wings spars were bent. The engine separated partially from the airframe and the firewall was wrinkled. Both fuel tanks were compromised; however, approximately 3 gallons of automotive fuel was recovered from the left and right fuel tanks. An examination of the airplane and its related systems revealed no anomalies. The engine was secured to a forklift and rigged with an "improvised fuel system" for a test run. The engine started and ran for several minutes at varying power settings. Several weather observation stations recorded the temperature and dewpoint as 24 degrees Celsius (C) and 19 degrees C, respectively. According to the carburetor icing chart, conditions were conducive for "serious icing at glide power."