On October 29, 1995, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N84124) was involved in an aviation accident near Lapeer, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: fuel exhaustion resulting in engine failure, the inadvertant stall, and improper decision by the pilot to attempt a large heading change at low altitude and airspeed. A factor relating to this accident is no fuel quantity gage installed in the airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After takeoff, the airplane's engine lost power at 500 feet. The pilot turned back, but the engine restarted, causing the airplane to balloon. A stall occurred during a turn to an alternate runway, leading to a left-wing-first impact. No fuel was found at the site.
Events
The airplane had climbed to 500 feet above ground level after takeoff when the engine lost power. The pilot turned the airplane around to land on the opposite runway. As the airplane crossed the approach end of that runway, "the engine started running again." Before the pilot could close the throttle, "the airplane ballooned into the air."
Pilot Actions
Due to his altitude and a 10 knot tailwind, the pilot determined that he would not be able to land the airplane without running off the end of the runway. He then decided to attempt a landing on the airport's diagonal runway, which required executing a left 130-degree heading change at low altitude and airspeed. The airplane "stalled" and impacted the terrain left wing first.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the wreckage showed no evidence of fuel at the accident site. Examination of the airplane's fuel system showed no indications of fuel prior to impact. The airplane did not have a fuel quantity indicator installed.