N5495B

On December 12, 2008, about 0915 central standard time, a Cessna 182, N5495B, piloted by a private pilot, received minor damage following a loss of engine power and subsequent forced landing near Meacham International Airport (FTW), Fort Worth, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The cross-country flight originated at Pearland Regional Airport (LVJ), Houston, Texas. This incident was originally reported as an accident due to suspected spar damage to the right wing, but downgraded after no spar damage was discovered during repairs to the right wing tip.

The pilot stated that as he turned downwind to base, the engine revolutions per minute dropped near idle and the engine stopped producing power. He reported switching magnetos, fuel tanks, and turning on the carburetor heat while trying to get the engine to run normally. The engine did not return to normal power and he was forced to make a successful off-field landing in a grass field about three miles from the airport. Shortly after landing, the engine began producing power again and the pilot started taxiing slowly. While moving forward at approximately two miles per hour, the nose gear struck a soft spot in the terrain and the airplane suddenly nosed over. The pilot stated he thought he turned on the carburetor heat "too late."

At 0853, an automated weather reporting station at FTW reported a temperature of 4 degrees Celsius and a dew point of -1 degree Celsius. According to the carburetor icing chart in the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pamphlet, FAA-P-8740-24, "Tips on Winter Flying", the airplane was operating in an area of moderate icing - cruise power, or serious icing - glide power.

Both fuel tanks contained between one-quarter and one-half tank of fuel post accident. A propeller strike inspection was completed on the engine and no anomalies were found. The airplane had flown approximately 12 hours after since the accident occurred and no problems were noted.