On August 12, 1982, a Champion 7ECA (registration N2830G) operated by Richard D. Hondon was involved in an aviation accident near Lawrence, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A bird ingested into the carburetor air box flange created a blockage that disrupted airflow through the main air passage. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A student pilot adjusted the pattern for another aircraft and turned final, then lost power. The instructor landed on a street, striking a light pole. Investigation found a bird had been ingested into the carburetor air box flange.
Incident Details
The instructor pilot reported that the student pilot had modified the traffic pattern to yield to another aircraft and then turned onto the final approach leg. Immediately after this turn, the engine experienced a loss of power. The instructor pilot promptly took over the controls and conducted a forced landing onto a public street. During the landing rollout, the aircraft struck a light pole.
Investigation Findings
Post-incident examination revealed that a bird had been ingested into the carburetor air box flange. The bird created a blockage that disrupted the airflow through the main air passage of the carburetor. This disruption was the cause of the power loss that led to the forced landing.
Probable cause
A bird ingested into the carburetor air box flange created a blockage that disrupted airflow through the main air passage.