N8798S

On July 10, 2002, about 1800 eastern standard time, a Cessna 150F, N8798S, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage during a forced landing after a loss of engine power during climb after takeoff from runway 32 (8,000 feet by 150 feet, asphalt/concrete), at the Ft. Wayne International Airport, Fort Wayne, Indiana. The airplane went through a ditch and struck a fence during the forced landing attempt. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was originating at the time of the accident and the intended destination was the Confer's Place Airstrip, Arcola, Indiana.

The pilot said that he performed a normal preflight inspection and runup prior to starting the flight. He said that after takeoff, the engine, "quit like the key was turned off." He said that he pumped the throttle and began the emergency checklist and the engine began producing power again. The pilot was attempting to return to the departure airport for a landing on runway 14. He said that the engine ran for about 15 seconds and then stopped producing power again. The airplane touched down on airport property and went through a ditch and struck a fence during the forced landing attempt.

A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the throttle cable housing was corroded through where the cable passes over the battery. Additionally, an examination of the fuel system revealed traces of water in the gascolator bowl. The fuel smelled and looked as if it were automobile gasoline. A review of the airplane records showed that the airplane had a supplemental type certificate allowing the use of automobile gasoline. No other anomalies were found.

According to the pilot's report, the airplane had received an annual inspection on April 13, 2002.