FlightFinder
Check my flight
No fatalities

Engine Power Loss Following Takeoff Leads to Emergency Landing and Collision with Vegetation (N84745)

Santa Paula, CA, US

On April 16, 1989, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N84745) operated by Santa Paula Flight Center was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Paula, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOTS IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT IN CONDITIONS THAT WERE CONDUCIVE TO THE FORMATION OF CARBURETOR ICE. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

Shortly after takeoff, an airplane's engine lost power. The pilot performed an emergency landing off the runway end, colliding with high vegetation. Damage occurred to the right wing, landing gear, and fuselage. Post-accident engine inspection found no mechanical failures or malfunctions.

Accident Sequence

Shortly after takeoff, the airplane's engine suddenly lost power. The pilot initiated an emergency landing, touching down beyond the end of the runway. During the landing roll, the airplane collided with high vegetation.

Aircraft Damage

The collision with vegetation resulted in damage to the right wing, landing gear, and fuselage.

Engine Inspection

The engine was removed and subjected to a tear-down inspection. No mechanical failures or malfunctions were found.

Weather Conditions

At the time of the accident, the temperature was 60 degrees Fahrenheit and the dewpoint was 40 degrees Fahrenheit.

Icing

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Apr 1989 Aeronca 7AC accident near Santa Paula, CA?

Shortly after takeoff, an airplane's engine lost power. The pilot performed an emergency landing off the runway end, colliding with high vegetation. Damage occurred to the right wing, landing gear, and fuselage. Post-accident engine inspection found no mechanical failures or malfunctions.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Apr 1989 Aeronca 7AC accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Apr 1989 involved an Aeronca 7AC, registration N84745, operated by Santa Paula Flight Center, at Santa Paula, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE PILOTS IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT IN CONDITIONS THAT WERE CONDUCIVE TO THE FORMATION OF CARBURETOR ICE.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28127. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.