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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

October 29, 1995 · Aeronca 7AC · N84124

Lapeer, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 29, 1995
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Lapeer, MI
Aircraft
Aeronca 7AC
Tail Number
N84124
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI96LA023

The airplane had climbed to 500 feet above ground level after takeoff when the engine lost power. The pilot turned the airplane around to land on the opposite runway. When the airplane crossed the approach end of the runway, 'the engine started running again.' Before the pilot could close the throttle, 'the airplane ballooned into the air.' Because of his altitude and a 10 knot tailwind, the pilot determined that he would not be able to land the airplane without running off the end of the runway. He then decided to attempt a landing on the airport's diagonal runway which required the pilot to execute a left 130 degree heading change at low altitude and airspeed. The airplane 'stalled,' and impacted the terrain left wing first. Examination of the wreckage showed no evidence of fuel at the accident site. Examination of the airplane's fuel system showed no indications of fuel prior to impact. The airplane did not have fuel quantity indicator installed.

NTSB Probable Cause

fuel exhaustion resulting in engine failure, the inadvertant stall, and improper decision by the pilot to attempt a large heading change at low altitude and airspeed. A factor relating to this accident is no fuel quantity gage installed in the airplane.

Full Narrative

On October 29, 1995, at 1730 eastern standard time (est), an Aeronca 7AC, N84124, piloted by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage when after takeoff from a touch and go landing the airplane's engine quit. The airplane subsequently impacted the terrain after the pilot attempted to land on the opposite runway. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight was operated under 14 CFR Part 91. A flight plan was not on file. The pilot reported minor injuries to himself and his passenger. The airplane was on a local flight which took off from Lapeer, Michigan, at 1200 est. In his written statement, the pilot reported the airplane had climbed to about 500 feet above ground level after takeoff on runway 27 when the engine lost power. He determined that he had enough altitude to turn the airplane around and land on the opposite runway. "There was a west wind of about 10 miles an hour." When the airplane crossed the approach end of runway 09 "the engine started running again." The pilot stated that the airplanes's nose down attitude must have allowed what remaining fuel he had in the system to reach the engine. Before the pilot could close the throttle, "the airplane ballooned into the air." With the tailwind and extra altitude, the pilot determined that he would not be able to land the airplane without running off the end of the runway. He then decided to attempt a landing on runway 32, the airport's diagonal runway. This maneuver required the pilot to execute a left 130 degree heading change at low altitude and airspeed. Concerned with a tree line ahead of him which ran parallel to runway 32, the pilot tightened his turn. At approximately 10 to 20 feet above ground level, the airplane "stalled," impacted the terrain left wing first and came to rest on runway 32. The pilot also reported in his written statement that the airplane had two gallons of fuel on board at the last takeoff. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who examined the wreckage found no evidence of fuel at the accident site. Examination of the airplane's fuel system showed no indications of fuel in the carburetor, fuel lines or tank prior to impact. The airplane did not have a fuel quantity gage installed.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time17:30 EST
Nearest AirportDupont-Lapeer (0nm)
Runway9
Runway Length1900 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAeronca 7AC
Tail NumberN84124
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-65-AF · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 46 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 10 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingOvercast 3000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point45 C / 0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data