# NTSB CHI85LA060: Aeronca 7AC, N84360, Allegan, MI, November 30, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: November 30, 1984, 16:45 local (21:45 UTC)
- Place: Allegan, MI
- Coordinates: 42.520469, -85.84082 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.5205&lon=-85.8408&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 12964
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI85LA060
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/12964/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI85LA060

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(partial) - mech failure/malf, takeoff - roll/run
  - ignition system,ignition lead - loose (contributing factor)
  - throttle/power lever,push/pull rod - loose (contributing factor)
  - aborted takeoff - not performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - complacency, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft preflight - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - aircraft service - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - maintenance,annual inspection - inadequate, other maintenance personnel (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- Hard landing, landing - flare/touchdown
  - terrain condition - soft
  - landing gear,main gear - overload

## Analysis

THE PLT STATED HE LOST POWER ON TAKEOFF, BUT ELECTED TO TAKEOFF RATHER THAN ABORT. HE CLEARED WIRES BUT DECIDED HE COULD NOT CLEAR TREES & MADE A FORCED LANDING IN A CORN FIELD. INSPECTION OF THE ACFT REVEALED THAT THE FUEL CONTROL ROD COTTER PIN WAS SEPARATED & THE FUEL VALVE APPEARED TO BE ABOUT HALF ON. ALSO, ONE OF THE SPARK PLUG WIRES WAS FOUND TO BE LOOSE. THE ACFT WAS SERVICED WITH AUTOMOTIVE FUEL WITHOUT AN APPROVED STC FOR THIS FUEL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N84360](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N84360), registered now, S/N 7AC-3054, 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 3054
- Airframe hours: 30356
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Frederick C. Strand
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, September 22, 1984, 56 hours before
- Destination: 35D, ALLEGAN, MI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 42; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 4,110 total, 3 in this make and model, 1,185 as pilot in command, 43 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 270° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 41 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: GRR, 30 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 19841130067239A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19841130067239A), Nov 30, 1984: Bbavia 7AC, Allegan, MI, Substantial damage. Lost power on takeoff,landed in field. Fuel control rod cotter pin separated, plug wire loose. No STC for car gas.

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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