On March 31, 1995, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N1937E) was involved in an aviation accident near EL Cajon, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: a loss of engine power due to an in-flight separation of the fuel system gascolator glass bowl resulting in a premature fuel exhaustion. The rough/uneven terrain is a factor in this accident. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot made an emergency landing on rough terrain after a total power loss. No fuel was found, and the aircraft's glass gascolator bowl was missing. The manufacturer had recommended replacing the glass bowl with a metal one in 1946.
Incident Overview
A pilot conducting a local VFR flight experienced a total loss of power and executed an emergency landing on a rough, uneven field. Responding fire department personnel and FAA inspectors found no fuel in the aircraft's fuel tanks or on the ground at the accident site.
Fuel System Findings
The aircraft was equipped with an original equipment glass gascolator bowl. However, the gascolator bowl was not found in the engine compartment or anywhere on the ground at the accident site.
Manufacturer Recommendation
Investigation revealed that the aircraft manufacturer had issued a service letter in 1946 recommending replacement of the glass gascolator bowl with a metal bowl. This action was taken due to the incidence of glass bowls breaking in flight. Notably, the replacement of the glass bowl was not subject to any airworthiness directives applicable to the aircraft's make or model.
What happened in the 31 Mar 1995 Aeronca 7AC accident near EL Cajon, CA?
A pilot made an emergency landing on rough terrain after a total power loss. No fuel was found, and the aircraft's glass gascolator bowl was missing. The manufacturer had recommended replacing the glass bowl with a metal one in 1946.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Mar 1995 involved an Aeronca 7AC, registration N1937E, at EL Cajon, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
a loss of engine power due to an in-flight separation of the fuel system gascolator glass bowl resulting in a premature fuel exhaustion. The rough/uneven terrain is a factor in this accident.
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