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Casualties unknown

1997-11-23: Aeronca 7AC (N83101) — Tiverton, OH

Tiverton, OH, US

On November 23, 1997, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N83101) was involved in an aviation accident near Tiverton, OH. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to properly set the airplane controls prior to hand propping. Factors in the accident were the pilot's failure to properly chock the wheels and his decision to leave the cockpit unmanned during start. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During final approach, the pilot experienced a loss of engine power. After landing and taxiing to the infield, he attempted a hand propping restart. The engine backfired, started, and the unmanned airplane departed, flying 1 hour 48 minutes before crashing.

Incident Overview

On final approach to landing, the pilot experienced a loss of engine power. He successfully completed the landing to the runway and then taxied to the infield to attempt a restart. After positioning one wheel chock in front of the right main gear, he set the engine power controls and attempted to start the engine by hand propping.

Restart Attempt

Following the second hand propping attempt, the pilot released the propeller and stepped away from the airplane. The engine backfired, started, and the airplane began moving. With no pilot aboard, the airplane departed the airport unmanned.

Unmanned Flight and Crash

The unmanned airplane flew for 1 hour and 48 minutes until it lost engine power, descended, and crashed into a bean field. The event concluded with the aircraft coming to rest in the field.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X09238. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.