Pilot Debrief

AERONCA 15AC near Hastings, MI — 2021-06-30

Final reportCEN21LA303
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Date
2021-06-30
Location
Hastings, MI, USA
Airport
9D9
Aircraft
AERONCA 15AC
Registration
N1175H
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Go-around

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined based on the available information.

NTSB narrative

The pilot receiving instruction and flight instructor were conducting a flight review. About 45 minutes into the flight, the engine “sputtered” and lost power following a practice go-around. The flight instructor took control of the airplane and performed a forced landing, during which the airplane sustained substantial damage. The pilot reported that they departed on the flight with 8 gallons of fuel in the left-wing tank and 7 gallons of fuel in the right-wing tank. The flight instructor recalled that, shortly before the loss of engine power, the left and right tanks contained about 8 gallons and 2 gallons, respectively. The mechanic who recovered the airplane reported that about 6 gallons remained in the left fuel tank and 2 gallons in the right fuel tank. The fuel caps were secure, and the accident site did not exhibit any evidence of a fuel spill. A postaccident examination and engine test run did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction. Continuity of the airframe fuel system was confirmed. The reason that fuel was being drawn predominantly from the right fuel tank could not be determined. The reason for the loss of engine power could not be determined based on the available information.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Engine power loss
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have checked fuel levels before the flight to ensure adequate fuel.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents7

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