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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

July 11, 2009 · Aeronca 7AC · N2871E

Auburn, ME

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 11, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Auburn, ME
Aircraft
Aeronca 7AC
Tail Number
N2871E
Operator
Mcgowan Patrick Kirk
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09LA397

The pilot stated that they were at 2,800 ft agl, when the engine lost all power. He tried to restore power by applying carburetor heat, but was unsuccessful. He subsequently made a forced landing on a golf course, and the airplane flipped over inverted. Further examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that dirt and rust contamination was found in the gascolator, carburetor fuel bowl, and carburetor nozzles.

NTSB Probable Cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel contamination. Contributing to the accident was the inadequate maintenance inspection of the airplane and engine's fuel system.

Full Narrative

On July 11, 2009, about 1050 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca Champ 7AC, N2871E had a total loss of engine power and nosed over while making a forced landing on a golf course near Auburn/Lewiston Municipal Airport, Maine. The private pilot and passenger were uninjured, and the airplane was substantially damaged by impact forces. The flight was operated as a personal flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91 and no flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that he had just sold the airplane and was acting as pilot in command during the flight. He said that they were at 2,800 ft agl, when the engine lost all power. He tried to restore power by applying carburetor heat, but was unsuccessful. He subsequently made a forced landing on a golf course and the airplane flipped over inverted. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed that; the pilot had drained all of the fuel out of the fuel tanks prior to his arrival. The FAA inspector stated that approximately 10 gallons of fuel was drained from the both wing tanks. Fuel samples were taken from the tanks at the fuel facility, and no contamination was noted. During further examination of the airplane, dirt and rust contamination was found in the gascolator, carburetor fuel bowl, and in the carburetor nozzles.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time10:50 EDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAeronca 7AC
Tail NumberN2871E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMcgowan Patrick Kirk
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · A&C65 SERIES · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 53 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 11 kt, gusting 14 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point57
Altimeter30.15 inHg
Observation Time14:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data