On May 28, 1983, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N81978) was involved in an aviation accident near EL Reno, OK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot and operator attributed the engine failure to carburetor ice. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft nosed over during a forced landing in a muddy wheatfield after its engine lost power. The pilot reported a drop in RPM and that carburetor heat did not restore performance. The engine ran normally after the accident.
Accident Summary
An aircraft experienced an engine power loss during approach, leading to a forced landing in a muddy wheatfield. The aircraft nosed over during the landing. No injuries were reported.
Event Details
The pilot stated that while approximately 4 miles from the airport at an altitude of 200 feet, the engine began losing power. The engine RPM dropped from 2000 to 1500. The pilot applied carburetor heat, but it did not improve engine performance. Unable to maintain altitude, the pilot executed a forced landing in a muddy wheatfield. After the aircraft came to rest, the engine started and ran normally.
Post-Accident Findings
Both the pilot and the operator attributed the engine failure to carburetor ice. No other causal factors were identified in the source.
Probable cause
The pilot and operator attributed the engine failure to carburetor ice.