What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1994-02-25 involved an Aeronca 7BCM, registration N6434C, at Santa Paula, CA.

Engine Power Loss During Touch and Go Leads to Ground Loop After Biennial Flight Review (N6434C)

On February 25, 1994, an Aeronca 7BCM (registration N6434C) was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Paula, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the existing meteorological conditions that were conducive to carburetor icing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

During a biennial flight review, the airplane experienced engine power loss after a touch and go. The flight instructor executed a ground loop to avoid a ditch, colliding with two vehicles.

Incident Details

A certified flight instructor (CFI) was administering a biennial flight review to a private pilot. The flight began with maneuvers at the practice area, after which they returned to the departure airport. The aircraft executed a touch-and-go landing and takeoff.

Loss of Engine Power

Following the initial landing, the private pilot closed the carburetor heat and applied full power. When the airplane reached approximately 100 feet above the ground, the engine began to sputter and lose power.

Emergency Maneuver

The CFI assumed control of the airplane and landed on the remaining runway. During the landing roll, the CFI intentionally ground looped the airplane to prevent it from colliding with a ditch at the departure end of the runway. As a result of the ground loop, the airplane collided with two vehicles.

Investigation

The investigation found no evidence of any preexisting engine malfunctions or failures. The meteorological conditions were conducive to carburetor icing.

1994-02-25: Aeronca 7BCM (N6434C) — Santa Paula, CA