FTW94LA067

During initial climb the solo student pilot experienced a partial loss of engine power, followed by a total loss a few minutes later. The pilot applied carburetor heat following the initial loss of power. A review of the icing probability chart revealed that the airplane was being operated in a area conducive to carburetor icing. During the subsequent forced landing the aircraft struck a tree prior to touchdown. After landing it impacted a barbed wire fence and nosed over 1/2 mile from the approach end of the runway.

On January 18, 1994, at 0945 central standard time, a Cessna 150D, N4558U, was substantially damaged during a forced landing near Mount Pleasant, Texas. The student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the instructional solo cross country flight.

In an interview with a Federal Aviation Administration inspector, the pilot reported that the engine began to "cut in and out" during initial climb from Mount Pleasant Municipal Airport. He further reported that during his return for landing, the aircraft lost all engine power. Subsequently, he stated that the aircraft "clipped the top of a tree" and a barbed wire fence before coming to rest in the inverted position a half mile from the airport.

The pilot further reported in his Pilot/Operator Report that he felt he experienced carburetor icing. He also stated that he did not apply carburetor heat until the engine initially lost power. A review of the Carburetor Icing Probability Chart revealed that the pilot was operating his aircraft in the area considered to be conducive to serious icing conditions.

A detailed examination of the engine failed to disclose any physical irregularities that could have contributed to the power loss.