On September 29, 2005, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N1938E) was involved in an aviation accident near Snelling, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the loss of engine power for undetermined reasons. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A single-engine airplane nosed over during a forced landing in a plowed field after losing power at 1,000 feet. The pilot could not align with furrows. Post-accident examination revealed no anomalies; fuel was a mixture of avgas and 80 octane.
Overview
A single-engine airplane experienced a loss of engine power while flying at 1,000 feet above ground level during a personal flight. The private pilot attempted a forced landing in a plowed field. During the landing roll, the airplane nosed over.
Sequence of Events
The pilot was flying in the local area when the engine lost power. At 1,000 feet, the pilot selected a plowed field for an emergency landing. He set up for landing but could not align the landing gear with the plowed rows before touchdown. As the airplane rolled across the furrows, it nosed over.
Post-Accident Examination
Investigators examined the airplane and engine after the accident and found no anomalies. The fuel tanks contained a mixture of 100 low-lead aviation gasoline and 80 octane fuel.