Skyhawk 172/Cutlass 172
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 14; Flight Crew Total 150; Flight Crew Type 80
Troubleshooting; Situational Awareness
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical; Deviation / Discrepancy - Procedural Published Material / Policy
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Requested ATC Assistance / Clarification; Flight Crew Landed As Precaution; General Maintenance Action; General Flight Cancelled / Delayed
Procedure; Human Factors; Aircraft
During cruise at 7;500 feet  MSL with a properly leaned engine and (nearly) full fuel; the engine on the aircraft suddenly lost power.  The engine struggled to maintain idle speed at full power.  I [requested priority handling] when the fuel controls (mixture and throttle) were checked and the problem persisted.  When enroute to the closest landing location it was found that the engine could be coaxed to approx 2/3 power by pumping the throttle in and out.  Upon landing; a mechanic looked over the fuel system (to include sumps and fuel strainer) but found no issues.  During a subsequent run-up; the engine performed as expected without issue.  When the in-air engine issue occurred the outside air temperature was noted to be approximately 45 degrees.  Based upon the lack of issues found with the fuel system; the subsequent successful run-up and the noted temperature; it is believed that the aircraft experienced carb-icing which caused the issue.  After review with the mechanic; the aircraft was returned to service.  No damage or injury was experienced as a result of this issue. Approach was notified via the approach frequency when the aircraft successfully landed and no subsequent actions/communication was requested.
C172 pilot reported loss of engine power and requested priority handling to expedite arrival at destination airport.