On October 2, 1992, a Champion 7EC (registration N4392C) was involved in an aviation accident near Eureka, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT-IN COMMAND'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION WHICH RESULTED IN A POWER LOSS DUE TO ICE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A ferry pilot and airplane purchaser arrived to find the engine running. The aircraft had sat outdoors with empty fuel tanks for 3 months. During runup, the engine backfired and quit. No inspection was performed. The pilot took off, lost power at 150 ft, and crashed during forced landing.
Incident Overview
A ferry pilot and the purchaser of an airplane arrived to accept it from the seller and found the engine already running. The aircraft had been stored outdoors with empty fuel tanks for three months. During the runup, the engine reportedly backfired several times and quit once. No inspection was conducted to determine the source of the engine roughness. The seller reportedly told the buyer that the engine is typically 'cold starting.'
Takeoff and Engine Failure
The ferry pilot then took off and experienced an abrupt power loss at an altitude of 150 feet. The airplane subsequently crashed during the forced landing. The pilot stated that the temperature at the time of takeoff was 'right at freezing.'
Aftermath
The accident resulted in the destruction of the aircraft. No further details regarding injuries or the aircraft's registration were provided in the source.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 2 Oct 1992 Champion 7EC accident near Eureka, AK?
A ferry pilot and airplane purchaser arrived to find the engine running. The aircraft had sat outdoors with empty fuel tanks for 3 months. During runup, the engine backfired and quit. No inspection was performed. The pilot took off, lost power at 150 ft, and crashed during forced landing.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Oct 1992 involved a Champion 7EC, registration N4392C, at Eureka, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT-IN COMMAND'S INADEQUATE PREFLIGHT INSPECTION WHICH RESULTED IN A POWER LOSS DUE TO ICE IN THE FUEL SYSTEM.
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