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NTSB Report
July 1, 1989 · Champion 7GCBC · N7521F
Ocean City, MD
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 1, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Ocean City, MD
Aircraft
Champion 7GCBC
Tail Number
N7521F
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
BFO89LA053
THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE WAS FLYING OVER WATER ALONG THE BEACHFRONT AT 200 FT MSL, WITH THE ENGINE SET AT 2250 RPM. HE HEARD A FAINT SOUND FROM THE ENGINE AND SENSED THAT THE MUFFLER WAS SEPARATING. HE UNSUCCESSFULLY TRIED TO CLIMB. THE ENGINE ONLY DEVELOPED 2200 RPM AT FULL THROTTLE. HE DROPPED THE BANNER AND SOON AFTERWARD THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PLT STATED THAT A BURNING SMELL FILLED THE CABIN; HOWEVER, HE DID NOT SEE ANY SMOKE. HE DITCHED THE ACFT AND USED A LIFE PRESERVER TO FLOAT ASHORE. EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT REVEALED MATERIAL FAILURE OF THE EXHAUST PIPE AT THE NUMBERS THREE AND FOUR CYLINDER EXHAUST STACK JOINT, WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE MUFFLER. ALSO NOTED WAS SOOT AND SMOKE DISCOLORATION INSIDE THE CARBURETOR INLET CHAMBER.
NTSB Probable Cause
LOSS OF ENGINE POWER FROM EXHAUST GAS LEAKAGE INTO THE CARBURETOR INLET, CAUSING ENGINE AIR STARVATION, AND MATERIAL FAILURE OF THE EXHAUST MANIFOLD. .
Full Narrative
THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE WAS FLYING OVER WATER ALONG THE BEACHFRONT AT 200 FT MSL, WITH THE ENGINE SET AT 2250 RPM. HE HEARD A FAINT SOUND FROM THE ENGINE AND SENSED THAT THE MUFFLER WAS SEPARATING. HE UNSUCCESSFULLY TRIED TO CLIMB. THE ENGINE ONLY DEVELOPED 2200 RPM AT FULL THROTTLE. HE DROPPED THE BANNER AND SOON AFTERWARD THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PLT STATED THAT A BURNING SMELL FILLED THE CABIN; HOWEVER, HE DID NOT SEE ANY SMOKE. HE DITCHED THE ACFT AND USED A LIFE PRESERVER TO FLOAT ASHORE. EXAMINATION OF THE ACFT REVEALED MATERIAL FAILURE OF THE EXHAUST PIPE AT THE NUMBERS THREE AND FOUR CYLINDER EXHAUST STACK JOINT, WHERE IT CONNECTS TO THE MUFFLER. ALSO NOTED WAS SOOT AND SMOKE DISCOLORATION INSIDE THE CARBURETOR INLET CHAMBER.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:00 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Aircraft FireIflt
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftChampion 7GCBC
Tail NumberN7521F
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats1
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 24 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 3500 ft
Temperature / Dew Point59
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:50
Weather SourceWFAC