N8907X

On October 9, 2000, at 1530 eastern daylight time, a Cessna 182, N8907X, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to a field near Noblesville, Indiana, following a loss of engine power. The pilot and one passenger were not injured. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight had departed Grand Glaize-Osage Beach Airport (K15), Osage Beach, Missouri, at 1300 edt en route to the Wyandot County Airport (56D), Upper Sandusky, Ohio. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed.

The pilot reported to FAA Operations and Airworthiness inspectors that he was in cruise flight at 6,000 feet when the engine began to run rough. After a few minutes the engine quit and he executed a forced landing to a bean field. The pilot stated that he thought he experienced carburetor icing.

In a separate statement, the pilot reported he pulled the carburetor heat on after the engine began running rough. He reported the engine ran okay for a few seconds and then quit.

The inspection of the airplane revealed continuity to the flight controls. The airplane had about 1/4 fuel in each wing tank. There was no evidence of fuel contamination. The engine was tested and it ran at 800 rpm. The magnetos were checked and there was a 25 rpm drop on each magneto. All cylinders exhibited thumb compression.

The 1455 surface weather observation at the Indianapolis International Airport (IND) located about 22 nm southwest of the accident site indicated the temperature was 48 degrees F and the dew point was 32 degrees F.

The Transport Canada "Carburetor Icing" chart indicates moderate to serious carburetor icing at 48 degrees F and 32 degree dew point.