Accident Details
On July 11, 2009, at approximately 1050 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca Champ 7AC (registration N2871E) experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot executed a forced landing on a golf course near the Auburn/Lewiston Municipal Airport in Maine. During the landing, the aircraft nosed over and came to rest inverted. The private pilot and a passenger were uninjured. The airplane was substantially damaged by impact forces.
The flight was conducted as a personal flight under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91. No flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident.
Pilot Account
The pilot reported that he had just sold the airplane and was acting as pilot-in-command during the flight. While at an altitude of 2,800 feet above ground level, the engine lost all power. He attempted to restore power by applying carburetor heat but was unsuccessful. Subsequently, he made a forced landing on a golf course, during which the airplane flipped over.
Examination Findings
A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector examined the airplane. The inspection revealed that the pilot had drained all of the fuel out of the fuel tanks prior to his arrival. The FAA inspector stated that approximately 10 gallons of fuel was drained from both wing tanks. Fuel samples taken from the tanks at the fuel facility showed no contamination.
Further examination of the airplane disclosed dirt and rust contamination in the gascolator, carburetor fuel bowl, and carburetor nozzles.