# NTSB LAX86LA018: Champion 7ECA, N5059G, Turlock, CA, October 19, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: October 18, 1985, 18:50 local (Oct 19, 1985, 01:50 UTC)
- Place: Turlock, CA
- Coordinates: 37.470336, -120.850311 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.4703&lon=-120.8503&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 25000
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX86LA018
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/25000/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX86LA018

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power(total) - nonmechanical, descent - normal
  - fuel system,drain - frozen (contributing factor)
  - aircraft preflight - conflicting, pilot in command (cause)
  - light condition - daylight (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - carburetor icing conditions (contributing factor)
  - carburetor heat - improper use of, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, landing
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment

## Analysis

THE ACFT MADE A FORCED LNDG AFTER A LOSS OF POWER DURING A DESCENT. THE PLT STATED THAT THE ENG RPM DECREASED TO 1100 WITH ALL OTHER GAUGES IN THE GREEN. HE ALSO SAID HE COULD NOT GET THE FUEL DRAIN SUMPT TO DRAIN AS IT WAS FROZEN SHUT DURING PREFLT. THE PLT SAID HE MANIPULATED THE THROTTLE AND CARB HEAT AFTER THE POWER LOSS BUT IT DID NOT HELP. ATTEMPTS TO GET THE PLT TO FILE AN ACC REPORT SINCE THE ACC HAVE BEEN UNSUCCESSFUL. IT IS REPORTED THAT HE HAS QUIT HIS JOB AND DISCONNECTED HIS HOME PHONE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5059G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5059G), registered now, S/N 1343-80, built 1980 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Champion 7ECA
- Registry model: [Bellanca 7ECA](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-7eca) (registry code 1220460) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 1343-80
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-K2C 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Skyline Aircraft Sale, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 102, LAKEPORT, CA
- Destination: MER, MERCED, CA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 31; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 350° at 4 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 70 °F, dew point 45 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: MER

## 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 19851018075929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19851018075929A), Oct 18, 1985: Bbavia 7ECA, Turlock, CA, Substantial damage. Struck dirt bank, flipped over on approach to field after engine power loss. Did not drain fuel sump, frozen shut.

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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