Cessna 150
Flight Crew Private
Flight Crew Last 90 Days 7.9; Flight Crew Total 341; Flight Crew Type 225
Situational Awareness; Time Pressure; Training / Qualification; Troubleshooting
Aircraft Equipment Problem Critical
Air Traffic Control Provided Assistance; Aircraft Equipment Problem Dissipated; Flight Crew Overcame Equipment Problem; Flight Crew Diverted; Flight Crew Took Evasive Action; General Declared Emergency; General Maintenance Action
Aircraft
While at 4;500 FT cruise; heading north northwest; using Approach radar services; engine began cutting in and out. Normal emergency checks failed to solve problem. After about 45 seconds; contacted Approach and advised of problem. They directed me to turn north to a nearby airport and continue reporting. Continued to lose altitude; advised Approach I could go into lake and not make that airport. At approximately 2;000 FT engine regained power. [I] was able to make safe landing; so advised Approach. At the airport; Local Mechanic examined plane and determined I must have had some water in the system. Fuel system; checked clear and numerous run-ups showed no issues.
A C150 pilot declared an emergency and diverted after his engine lost power at cruise but power recovered during descent. A Mechanic believed water in the fuel was the problem.