Pilot Debrief

CHAMPION AERONCA 7HC near Louisville, KY — 2010-08-27

Final reportERA10LA449
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Date
2010-08-27
Location
Louisville, KY, USA
Aircraft
CHAMPION AERONCA 7HC
Registration
N8919R
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Initial climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel system contamination resulting in damage to the carburetor float.

NTSB narrative

During the initial takeoff, with the airplane about 800 feet above the ground, the engine experienced a loss of power. The certificated flight instructor (CFI) took authority of the controls and elected to land in an open field within a residential area. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted a street stop sign and separated both main landing gears, resulting in substantial damage. A postaccident engine examination revealed that the carburetor's brass float had a perforation located at its lowest point in the bowl. The perforation exhibited surface features such as pits and roughening consistent with a chemical etching reaction, similar to corrosion. The affected areas on the float were consistent with a small quantity of corrosive liquid having been retained in the bottom of the carburetor bowl for a sufficient time. The perforation in the float most likely adversely affected the carburetor’s performance and led to the loss of engine power. The carburetor had been restored and it is likely that the fuel system was not properly flushed after the restoration process to remove any possible foreign object/liquid contamination.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Replace the carburetor float during the overhaul to prevent corrosion.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 11 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents11

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