Cessna 150
Flight Crew Multiengine; Flight Crew Flight Instructor; Flight Crew Instrument; Flight Crew Commercial
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 230; Flight Crew Total 5300; Flight Crew Type 3100
Confusion; Situational Awareness; Time Pressure; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Landed in Emergency Condition; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification
Aircraft
I took off from ZZZ; and the takeoff was normal. The smoke was extremely dense; and there were reports of IMC conditions due to smoke on the peninsula where I was headed to [location].  I had checked the FAA webcams; the nearest TAF and METAR.  Where I was headed was VFR.I climbed out of ZZZ; and decided to climb above the smoke that was reported per PIREPS to top out at 2;800 feet.  I kept climbing at full power and leaned the mixture; but I was climbing past 5;500 feet and the smoke still wasn't clearing. I was still climbing and turned southbound.  At about 6;200 feet; the engine started sputtering; and lost power; and I immediately pulled on the carburetor heat.  The engine went from 2;400 RPM to 800; then quit.  I pitched for best glide and turned on a heading to ZZZ1.  I tried to restart; but the prop was just windmilling.  I [advised ATC]; and they said to take either RWY XXL or XXR. I easily had enough altitude to make whichever runway I wanted.  At about 3;000 feet; the engine started sputtering and producing power; however; I elected to continue to RWY XX; since I didn't know what was wrong with the engine; and did not want to chance an engine failure again.All the ATC personnel were extremely helpful and I was really glad that they were there to help coach me along and give me the wind direction and keep the other planes out of the way while I expedited the landing. I believe I did as much as I could to maintain control and ensure the safety of flight.
Cessna 150 pilot reported a loss of engine power during initial climb; however; the engine recovered while he was accomplishing the landing.