Pilot Debrief

AERONCA 7AC near Westphalia, MI — 2025-05-24

Investigation ongoingCEN25LA186
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Date
2025-05-24
Location
Westphalia, MI, USA
Airport
3F5
Aircraft
AERONCA 7AC
Registration
N2659E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

NTSB has not published a probable cause for this accident yet. Preliminary reports describe what happened; the cause is determined later, often 12–24 months after the event.

NTSB narrative

On May 24, 2025, at 1300 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca 7AC, N2659E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Westphalia, Michigan. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations as a Part 91 personal flight. The pilot stated that he flew to Forest Hill Airport, Westphalia, Michigan, where he performed a full stop landing and taxied back on the runway for takeoff. The subsequent takeoff was normal until the airplane climbed to 100 ft above ground level, at which time the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot then performed a forced landing to a field where the airplane touched down and nosed over due to muddy field conditions. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings. The airplane was retained from further examination.

Preliminary NTSB coding

  • Loss of engine power (total) · Initial climb
  • Loss of Thrust on Takeoff
View NTSB preliminary report

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