N8351G

On September 2, 2002, at 1031 mountain daylight time, a Cessna 150F single-engine airplane, N8351G, was substantially damaged during a forced landing following a loss of engine power during initial takeoff climb from the Luna Landing airstrip (NM26), near Deming, New Mexico. The non-instrument rated private pilot was not injured and his passenger sustained serious injuries. The airplane, was registered to and operated by a private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed throughout the area for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight for which no flight plan was filed. The local flight was initiating at the time of the accident.

Local authorities reported that the airplane departed from runway 08, a 2,600-foot long gravel airstrip, used by local agricultural aircraft. The airplane cleared the airstrip perimeter fence, power lines, and tall trees before the engine lost power. Subsequently, the airplane impacted the ground in a nose low attitude in a field. The airplane came to rest among tall sage brush inverted.

In a telephone interview with the NTSB investigator-in-charge (IIC), the 1,200 hour pilot stated that the engine lost power as a result of carburetor ice.

The FAA inspector, who traveled to the accident site, confirmed availability of fuel, and established continuity to all the flight controls. The inspector reported that the left wing, the engine mounts, and engine firewall sustained structural damage. Additionally, the nose landing gear, propeller, and engine cowling were also damaged.

At the time of the accident, Deming Municipal Airport, located approximately 9 nautical miles northeast the accident site, reported the wind variable at 4 knots. Based on a field elevation of 4,250 feet, a temperature of 26 degrees Centigrade, and an altimeter setting of 30.13 inches of Mercury, the IIC calculated the density altitude at the accident site to be 6,360 feet.

Despite several attempts to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), a completed form was not received.