# NTSB CHI92LA225: Aeronca 7AC, N84228, Whitman, NE, August 2, 1992

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 2, 1992, 16:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Whitman, NE
- Coordinates: 41.660953, -103.08953 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.6610&lon=-103.0895&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report June 30, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 15505
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI92LA225
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/15505/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI92LA225

## Probable cause

WATER CONTAMINATION IN THE FUEL AND LOW MAGNETO OUTPUT.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - fluid,fuel - contamination (cause)
  - ignition system,magneto - output low (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
  - terrain condition - none suitable (contributing factor)
- Main gear collapsed, landing - flare/touchdown
  - maneuver - abrupt, pilot in command (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT EXPERIENCED A PARTIAL LOSS OF ENGINE POWER AND EXECUTED A FORCED LANDING APPROACH INTO UNEVEN TERRAIN. JUST BEFORE TOUCHDOWN, THE PILOT APPLIED FULL LEFT RUDDER TO POINT AWAY FROM A RISING SLOPE. THE AIRPLANE LANDED IN A BANK AND COLLAPSED THE MAIN GEAR. FUEL CONTAMINATION AND WEAK IGNITION WERE FOUND IN EXAMINING THE AIRPLANE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N84228](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N84228), registered now, S/N 7AC-2919, 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 C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7AC-2919
- Airframe hours: 4200
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-85-12F 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Business, Part 91
- Operator: Stuart Flying Club
- Registered owner: Stuart Flying Club
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 6, 1991, 225 hours before
- Departed: NONE
- Destination: 8V2, ATKINSON, NE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 47; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 312 total, 30 in this make and model, 30 in the last 90 days, 9 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 130° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 52 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MHN, 37 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 19920802028529A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19920802028529A), Aug 2, 1992: Bbavia 7AC, Whitman, NE, Substantial damage. Lost partial power on takeoff. Unable to clear hills. Crash landed on slope. Found weak magneto. Poor maintenance.

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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