BFO95LA083

The pilot reported that the engine lost power as the airplane climbed through about 200 ft. AGL after takeoff. The airplane descended into trees, then fell to the ground. The temperature was 91 degrees F., the winds were estimated to be out of 300 degrees at 5 knots., and the pilot departed on runway 18. The FAA Inspector stated the airplane was 25 pounds over gross weight takeoff. Postaccident examination of the airframe and engine revealed no evidence of preimpact anomaly. The FAA inspector stated that conditions were conducive to the formation of carburetor ice, however there was no evidence of carburetor icing.

On August 20, 1995, at 1621 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca 7AC, N2934E, piloted by the private pilot/registered owner, collided with trees, then impacted terrain shortly after takeoff from the Warren Airport in Warren, Ohio. The pilot received serious injuries, and the sole passenger received minor injuries. The airplane was destroyed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, no flight plan was filed. The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Warren, Ohio, at approximately 1620.

The pilot reported that everything seemed normal during the preflight inspection, engine start, and engine run up. He stated that they took off on runway 18, and the engine appeared to lose power as the airplane climbed through about 200 feet above the ground (AGL). The pilot stated that he informed the passenger that they were "...going in... ." The airplane impacted a tree, then fell to the ground. The pilot reported that he has no idea why the engine lost power.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector stated that when he interviewed the pilot, the pilot reported that the airplane in question had flown several times that day, and operated normally. The pilot indicated that the airplane was parked on the ramp for approximately one hour since its previous flight. The pilot told the FAA Inspector that he was aware of the possibility of carburetor icing and said he accomplished the preflight engine run-up included "...a check of the carburetor heat control that, if icing was present, should have removed the ice accumulation."

The FAA Inspector stated that the airplane was approximately "...25 pounds over gross weight takeoff at a density altitude of approximately 3100 feet with approximately 3 to 4 mph tailwind" A weather observation taken at Youngstown, Ohio (located approximately 12 miles east of the accident site), indicated the winds were out of 300 degrees at 5 knots, and the temperature was 91 degrees Fahrenheit (F), dew point 68 degrees F.

Postaccident examination of the airplane and engine revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical anomaly. Weather conditions conducive to the formation of carburetor ice existed at the time of the accident.