Pilot Debrief

AERONCA 7AC near Sandersville, GA — 2010-06-16

Final reportERA10LA314
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Date
2010-06-16
Location
Sandersville, GA, USA
Airport
OKZ
Aircraft
AERONCA 7AC
Registration
N84362
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Descent

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot departed on the cross country flight with a full load of fuel. As he began a descent to enter the traffic pattern at the destination airport, the pilot reduced engine power to 1,500 rpm and applied carburetor heat. The engine began losing power, so the pilot removed carburetor heat and applied throttle; but the engine then lost power completely. The pilot unsuccessfully attempted to restore engine power, and subsequently performed a forced landing. The airplane impacted a berm approximately 1/4 mile from the runway threshold, which resulted in substantial damage. A postacccident examination revealed that the fuel header tank contained approximately 8.5 gallons of uncontaminated fuel. During subsequent testing, the engine started, ran continuously, and showed no evidence of any mechanical anomalies. While the airplane was operating in conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power at the time of the accident, the investigation was unable to determine if carburetor ice caused the power loss.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have diverted to a closer airport earlier to avoid engine issues.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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