Pilot Debrief

AERONCA 7CCM near Justin, TX — 2010-08-14

Final reportCEN10LA478
Sign in to save
Date
2010-08-14
Location
Justin, TX, USA
Airport
16X
Aircraft
AERONCA 7CCM
Registration
N85065
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Climb

Probable cause

A loss of engine power due to fuel starvation as a result of the pilot's delay in transferring fuel from the gravity feed wing tanks to the main tank.

NTSB narrative

The pilot made a full-stop landing, taxied back, and took off. During the climb out, the engine "sputtered" and lost power. The pilot made a forced landing on a grass field. During the landing, the right main landing gear fractured aft and collapsed, and the right wing and lift strut were bent. When asked how this accident could have been prevented, the pilot said he should have transferred fuel from the gravity feed wing tanks to the main tank sooner. An examination of the airplane's engine and other systems revealed no anomalies.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Start fuel transfer from gravity feed wing tanks to main tank earlier.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

Related mishaps