On May 13, 2005, an Aeronca 65-TAC (registration N36973) operated by Valley Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Harrisonburg, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons, and the pilot's failure to maintain airspeed, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin and subsequent impact with the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 3 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.
A witness saw an airplane fly past with the pilot and passenger waving, then heard engine power increase, silence, and impact. Investigation found no mechanical anomalies, evidence of a stall/spin, and carburetor heat off.
Accident Summary
A witness, who was a relative of the pilot, observed the airplane flying past his house. He saw the pilot and a passenger wave at him as the airplane went by. The witness then went inside his house. Shortly thereafter, he heard the airplane's engine increase power, followed by sudden total silence and then the sounds of impact.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the engine and airframe revealed no mechanical anomalies. The wreckage exhibited evidence of a stall/spin impact attitude. The carburetor heat knob was found in the off position.
Carburetor Icing Conditions
Review of an FAA carburetor icing probability chart placed the reported temperature and dew point in the "serious icing at glide power" range.