The Engine Partially Lost Power And RPM Declined From 2,400 To 1,700

Location: South Hill, WA Accident Number: WPR21LA015
Date & Time: October 15, 2020, 16:15 Local Registration: N6585L
Aircraft: Cessna 152 Injuries: 1 Minor
Flight Conducted Under:

On October 15, 2020, about 1615 Pacific daylight time, a Cessna 152, N6585L sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near South Hill, Washington. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that he had purchased the airplane 8 days prior to the accident via an online auction. The airplane was parked outside and partially covered for several years prior to the purchase. The pilot said that he worked on the airplane to facilitate an engine run, which included draining the fuel from wing fuel tanks and the airframe fuel filter, of which he observed a small amount of water present in the fuel. The pilot continued sump the fuel tanks and airframe fuel filter until no more water was present, and conducted multiple engine runs, with no issues noted. The day of the accident, he decided to relocate the airplane to Auburn, Washington.

Following an uneventful engine runup, he initiated takeoff on runway 35. As the airplane ascended through about 250 ft above ground level, the engine partially lost power and rpm declined from 2,400 to 1,700. The pilot initiated a forced landing to a nearby parking lot and during the landing sequence, the airplane struck an unoccupied parked vehicle.

Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the fuselage and wings were structurally damaged. Evidence of fuel was observed at the accident site. The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov