# NTSB CHI86LA080: Champion Citabria 7GCBC, N1856G, Ely, MN, January 29, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 29, 1986, 14:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Ely, MN
- Coordinates: 47.899093, -91.848999 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=47.8991&lon=-91.8490&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 13418
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI86LA080
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/13418/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI86LA080

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, descent - normal
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING A DESCENT FROM 1000 FT AGL TO 200 FT AGL TO PHOTOGRAPH WILDLIFE THE PILOT APPLIED CARB HEAT. WHEN HE ADVANCED THE THROTTLE AT 200 FT TO LEVEL OFF THE ENGINE DID NOT RESPOND. THE AIRCRAFT THEN SETTLED INTO TREES. TEMPERATURE AT THE TIME WAS -5 DEG F., SKYS WERE CLEAR. AN EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED NOTHING THAT WOULD HAVE CAUSED A POWER LOSS. 31 GALLONS OF FUEL WERE ON BOARD AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1856G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1856G), registered now, S/N 12 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CHAMPION CITABRIA 7GCBC (CITABRIA 7)
- Registry model: [Champion 7GCBC](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-7gcbc) (registry code 21101PK) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 12
- Airframe hours: 1202
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: James D. Grummet
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, December 24, 1985
- Departed: KAWISHIWAY RIV., MN

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 45; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, single-engine sea; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: rear; flight hours: 951 total, 951 in this make and model, 907 as pilot in command, 28 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 5 °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 19860129001749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860129001749A), Jan 29, 1986: Bbavia 7GCBC, Ely, MN, Substantial damage. Engine quit after descent using carburetor heat, hit trees. Carb heat raised moisture temperature to icing range.

## Other investigations on N1856G (1)

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.

- [NTSB CHI06CA104](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI06CA104), Mar 25, 2006: American Champion 7GCBC (N1856G), Tower, MN, substantial damage. Probable cause: The unsuitable landing area selected by the pilot which led to the subsequent nose-over. The terrain condition was a factor.

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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