NTSB Factual Report

On January 20, 2002, about 1500 central standard time, a Piper PA-18, N7113K, owned and piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage when it collided with fences during a forced landing to a field near Clear Lake, Minnesota. The airplane was reported to have lost engine power during climb out after takeoff from runway 18 (3,000 feet by 150 feet, asphalt/turf), at the Leaders Clear Lake Airport, Clear Lake, Minnesota. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not on a flight plan and was operating in visual meteorological conditions. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

In a written statement, the pilot said that he had performed three "run ups" and was going to perform "...some take-offs and landings after the annual." He said that after take-off, at about 400 feet agl, the engine lost power and quit. He said that he had just turned from the crosswind leg of the traffic pattern to the downwind leg. The pilot stated that he could not make it back to the airport, and could not land directly ahead due to obstructions. The pilot said that he attempted to land in a field but the field did not have enough room for the landing and he hit two fences before coming to rest.

A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed no anomalies that could be associated with a pre-impact condition. The engine was subsequently test run on the airframe and no anomalies were found.

The weather observing station located about 7 miles and 330 degrees from the accident recorded the temperature as -3 degrees Celsius and the dewpoint as -7 degrees Celsius at 1453.

According to a Transport Canada carburetor icing probability chart, the temperature and dew point fall in the range for light icing at cruise or descent power.

NTSB Probable Cause

The loss of engine power for undetermined reasons and the unsuitable terrain for the forced landing. Factors were the low altitude and the fences.