Accident Sequence
The pilot of an Aeronca 7AC intended to fly to another airport to have an annual inspection completed on the airplane. During the engine run-up for departure, the pilot observed that the right magneto failed. The pilot taxied the airplane back to the ramp, and a mechanic serviced the right magneto. A subsequent engine run-up was satisfactory, and the airplane departed on runway 17. About 50 feet above ground level, the engine lost partial power. With trees in front of him, the pilot attempted a left turn back toward the airport. During the turn, the airplane stalled and impacted terrain, sustaining damage to the left wing, forward fuselage, and landing gear.
Aircraft and Pilot Information
The airplane was manufactured in 1946. Its most recent annual inspection was completed about 14 months prior to the accident, and the airplane had accumulated 7 hours of operation since that inspection. The pilot reported a total flight experience of 2,055 hours, of which 104 hours were in the accident airplane. The pilot had not flown during the 90-day period preceding the accident.
Post-Accident Examination
Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed an inoperative left magneto.