# NTSB BFO90LA066: Champion 7EC, N8575E, Peebles, OH, July 31, 1990

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 31, 1990, 15:23 local (19:23 UTC)
- Place: Peebles, OH
- Coordinates: 38.939327, -83.400535 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.9393&lon=-83.4005&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report December 14, 1992
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 11607
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO90LA066
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/11607/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO90LA066

## Probable cause

IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, cruise - normal
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - ditch (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - encountered, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE WAS IN CRUISE FLIGHT WHEN HE NOTICED A GRADUAL REDUCTION IN ENGINE POWER. CARBURETOR HEAT WAS APPLIED AND SHUT OFF AGAIN WHEN THE POWER LOSS CONTINUED. THE PILOT MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A SOY BEAN FIELD. THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A DRAINAGE DITCH DURING THE LANDING ROLL, AND NOSED DOWN. POST-ACCIDENT EXAMINATION REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF PRE-IMPACT MALFUNCTION OF THE ENGINE OR ACCESSORIES. THE FAA INSPECTORS STATED THAT WEATHER CONDITIONS WERE CONDUCTIVE TO THE FORMATION OF CARBURETOR ICE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N8575E (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: CHAMPION 7EC
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 363
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C90-12F 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Henry A. Ottawella
- Departed: KY70, VINE GROVE, KY
- Destination: CYO, CIRCLEVILLE, OH
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 68; commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 7,000 total, 1,500 in this make and model, 7,000 as pilot in command, 50 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: -0 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19900731029379A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19900731029379A), Jul 31, 1990: Bbavia 7EC, Peebles, OH, Substantial damage. Engine lost power en route. Struck a ditch and nosed up on forced landing. Conditions conducive for carburetor ice.

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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