Casualties unknown

1982-06-24: Aeronca 7AC (N1938E) — Bergman Farms — Porterville, CA

Porterville, CA, US

On June 24, 1982, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N1938E) operated by Bergman Farms was involved in an aviation accident near Porterville, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot reported that after reducing power for 10 seconds, the engine faltered and died when power was restored. The pilot did not cycle magnetos or check carburetor heat.

Flight Profile

A student pilot was conducting a local flight with two passengers. The pilot reported maintaining an altitude of approximately 600 feet above ground level (AGL) with an engine speed of 2100 RPM. During the flight, the pilot reduced the throttle to 1500 RPM for about 10 seconds. When the throttle was subsequently advanced back to cruise power, the engine faltered and ceased operation.

Pilot Actions

In response to the engine failure, the pilot moved the throttle control fore and aft in an attempt to restart the engine, but it did not respond. The pilot stated that he did not cycle the magnetos or check the carburetor heat setting during the emergency. However, the pilot noted that the carburetor heat had been activated for two minutes prior to the engine failure.

Engine Failure Sequence

The engine initially operated at 2100 RPM before being throttled back to 1500 RPM for a brief period. Upon returning the throttle to the cruise power setting, the engine faltered and then stopped. The pilot's subsequent throttle movements did not restore engine operation. The pilot did not perform additional troubleshooting steps such as switching magneto positions or applying carburetor heat.

Pilot Background

The pilot was a student pilot, and the flight included two passengers. No further details about the pilot's experience or training were provided. The purpose of the flight was local, and no information about the aircraft type or registration was included in the report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020917X03569. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.