# NTSB BFO88LA055: Aeronca 7AC, N1841E, Capon Bridge, WV, June 18, 1988

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 18, 1988, 17:00 local (21:00 UTC)
- Place: Capon Bridge, WV
- Coordinates: 39.280826, -78.469688 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.2808&lon=-78.4697&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 25, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11418
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO88LA055
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11418/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO88LA055

## Probable cause

LOSS OF POWER BECAUSE OF CARBURETOR ICE WHICH OBSTRUCTED AIRFLOW TO THE ENGINE. THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER ON LANDING BECAUSE OF SOFT TERRAIN AND HIGH GRASS. THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO USE CARBURETOR HEAT IS A CONTRIBUTING FACTOR.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (cause)
  - carburetor heat - not used, pilot in command (cause)
  - fuel system,carburetor - ice (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Nose over, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - high vegetation (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT SAID HE WAS CRUISING AT 3000 FT WHEN HE REDUCED PWR TO START A DESCENT TO 2000 FT. AFTER PWR WAS REDUCED FROM 2350 TO 1800 RPM, A TOTAL PWR LOSS OCCURRED. ATTEMPTS TO RESTART THE ENGINE WERE UNSUCCESSFUL. THE PLT SAID HE DID NOT USE CARB HEAT, ALTHOUGH, HE SAID, LATER THAT HE SUSPECTED CARB ICE. THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING INTO AN OPEN FIELD. THE PLT SAID BECAUSE OF THE SOFT TERRAIN AND HIGH GRASS, THE ACFT NOSED OVER DURING THE LANDING ROLL. THE TEMP/ DEW PT WAS 82/54 DEGS. POST ACCIDENT ENGINE TEST DISCLOSED IT OPERATED SATISFACTORY AT VARIOUS POWER SETTINGS. WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCIVE TO THE FORMATION OF CARBURETOR ICE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1841E](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1841E), registered now, S/N 7AC-5408, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERONCA 7AC
- Registry model: [Aeronca 7AC](https://openairdocs.org/model/aeronca-7ac) (registry code 2110102) (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-5408
- Airframe hours: 3284
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A75-8A 75 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Aeronica Flying Club
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 13, 1987, 61 hours before
- Departed: W16, WINCHESTER, VA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 670 total, 200 in this make and model, 620 as pilot in command, 20 in the last 90 days, 10 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 50° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 54 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MRB, 25 nm away

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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