# NTSB ATL92LA081: Aeronca 7DC, N2901E, Elgin, SC, April 16, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 16, 1992, 18:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Elgin, SC
- Coordinates: 34.160324, -80.790618 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.1603&lon=-80.7906&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8587
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL92LA081
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8587/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL92LA081

## Probable cause

THE IMPROPERLY INSTALLED SPARK PLUG BY AN UNKNOWN PERSON. THE LACK OF SUITABLE TERRAIN FOR A FORCED LANDING WAS A FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of engine power(partial) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - ignition system,spark plug - missing (cause)
  - maintenance,installation - improper, unknown (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)

## Analysis

WHILE IN CRUISE FLIGHT THE ENGINE LOST POWER. THE PILOT WAS UNABLE TO MAINTAIN ALTITUDE AND LANDED IN A FIELD. EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED THAT THE TOP SPARK PLUG IN THE NUMBER 2 CYLINDER HAD SEPARATED FROM THE CYLINDER. IT REMAINED ATTACHED TO THE DISTRIBUTOR WIRE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2901E](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N2901E), registered now, S/N 7AC-6484, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERONCA 7DC
- Registry model: [Champion AERONCA 7DC](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-aeronca-7dc) (registry code 2110154) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7AC-6484
- Airframe hours: 5093
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C85F 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Motsinger, Xen K.
- Registered owner: Motsinger, Xen K.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 1, 1991, 18 hours before
- Departed: CUB, COLUMBIA, SC

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 65; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 1,400 total, 300 in this make and model, 1,375 as pilot in command, 77 in the last 90 days, 19 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 200° at 12 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 84 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CAE, 5 nm away

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19920416010359A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920416010359A), Apr 16, 1992: Bbavia 7DC, Elgin, SC, Substantial damage. Spark plug came out of NR2 cylinder causing power loss and damage on forced landing.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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