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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

November 23, 1997 · Aeronca 7AC · N83101

Tiverton, OH

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
November 23, 1997
Location
Tiverton, OH
Aircraft
Aeronca 7AC
Tail Number
N83101
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
NYC98LA031

During final approach to landing, the pilot experienced a loss of engine power. He completed the landing to the runway and taxied to the infield to attempt a restart. The pilot placed one wheel chock in front of the right main gear, set the engine power controls, and attempted the restart by hand propping. After the second attempt, the pilot released the propeller and stepped away from the airplane. The airplane's engine backfired, started, and the airplane departed the airport unmanned. The airplane flew 1 hour and 48 minutes until it lost engine power, descended, and crashed into a bean field.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to properly set the airplane controls prior to hand propping. Factors in the accident were the pilot's failure to properly chock the wheels and his decision to leave the cockpit unmanned during start.

Full Narrative

On November 23, 1997, at 1104 eastern standard time, an Aeronca 7AC, N83101, was substantially damaged during landing near Tiverton, Ohio. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the unmanned flight that originated at Urbana, Ohio, at 0916. No flight plan had been filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. According to a report from the Urbana Police Department, the pilot landed on Runway 23 at Grimes Field Airport (I74), Urbana, Ohio. The airplane's engine stalled, and the pilot taxied the airplane to a grassy area to attempt a restart. According to the report: "[The pilot] attempted to restart the aircraft by hand-propping the propeller, standing to the side of the single propeller. After 4 or 5 attempts, [the pilot] turned the ignition off and turned the propeller in reverse to remove any excess fuel and then attempted to restart the plane again. The plane's engine reportedly backfired and started as [the pilot] began walking away from the aircraft. The airplane began travelling eastbound through the airfield nearly striking a plane taking off on the runway, and a nearby hangar as it became airborne...[The airplane] started circling the interior of the field at low altitude, then flew out of the airport traffic area travelling east." A private citizen in his airplane followed N83101 from Urbana, to Marysville, Ohio. The Ohio State Police monitored the remainder of the flight from a helicopter. The police report further stated: "The State Highway Patrol tracked the aircraft near Delaware, Ohio, at 10,000 feet above ground level and observed the aircraft climb to 12,000 feet into Coshocton County, Ohio, where the aircraft ran out of fuel and crashed in a bean field..." The airplane flew unmanned for 1 hour and 48 minutes and the certificated private pilot was not injured. In a written statement, the pilot said he attempted the restart to taxi the airplane from the infield to the parking apron at I74. Prior to the restart, he placed one wheel chock in front of the right main landing gear. In the NTSB Form 6120. 1/2 Recommendation Section (How Could This Accident Have Been Prevented), the pilot stated: "Trim set full forward (Down) and qualified 'taildragger' pilot inside of aircraft."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:04 EST
Nearest AirportGrimes Field (0nm)
Runway23
Runway Length3474 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAeronca 7AC
Tail NumberN83101
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-65-8 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats22

People & Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total0
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 8 kt
Visibility6 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point32 C / 27 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time12:51
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data