Accident
On August 14, 2010, approximately 1045 central daylight time, an Aeronca 7CCM, registration N85065, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain during a forced landing following a loss of engine power. The accident occurred near Justin, Texas, after the airplane experienced engine problems during climb out from Prop Wash Airstrip (16X). The pilot and passenger on board were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time, and the flight was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight without a flight plan. The local flight had originated from Roanoke, Texas, at 1030 and was returning to that airport when the accident occurred.
Accident Sequence
According to the FAA inspector who went to the scene, the pilot reported that he had flown to Prop Wash Airstrip, where he made a full-stop landing. After taxiing back and taking off, the engine "sputtered" during climb and lost power. The pilot executed a forced landing on a grass field near the airstrip. During the landing, the right main landing gear collapsed, and the right wing and lift strut were bent. The pilot later stated in a written submission that the accident could have been prevented if he had started fuel transfer from the gravity feed wing tanks to the main tank earlier.
Aircraft Examination
An examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the right main landing gear, right lower fuselage, right outboard wing and lift strut, and the propeller was fractured. Flight control continuity was confirmed. Examination of the engine and other airplane systems showed no anomalies.