Accident Overview
On July 14, 2012, at about 0715 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca 7CCM, registration N83977, was substantially damaged during a forced landing to a swamp following a total loss of engine power during cruise flight. The accident occurred near Ocklawaha, Florida. The airline transport pilot, who was the sole occupant, incurred minor injuries. The flight was conducted under 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the local flight that had departed Woods And Lakes Airpark (FA38), Ocklawaha, Florida, about 0700.
Pilot Actions
The pilot reported that the airplane was last fueled on April 15, 2012, and had not been flown until the accident flight. During the preflight inspection, the pilot verified that the fuel gauges indicated near full but did not visually inspect the fuel tanks. He also drained the fuel sump and observed no contamination.
Engine Failure and Landing
Approximately 15 minutes after takeoff, while flying at about 1,000 feet above ground level and 3 miles west of FA38, the engine suddenly began to lose power. The pilot established best glide speed, searched for a landing site, and initiated emergency procedures, including switching fuel tanks. The engine did not regain power, and the pilot performed a forced landing to a swampy area. During the landing, the airplane traveled about 50 feet, nosed over, and came to rest inverted.
Post-Accident Examination
A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the aircraft. The firewall was damaged during the nose-over. The fuel tanks were not compromised and did not leak fuel into the swamp water. Examination revealed no fuel in the tanks, fuel lines, or carburetor. A leak test with water showed the tanks did not leak. The inspector rotated the crankshaft by hand and confirmed continuity of the crankshaft, camshaft, and valve train to the rear accessory section.
Conclusion
The investigation determined that the engine failure resulted from fuel starvation, as no fuel was present in the system. No mechanical anomalies were found with the engine or fuel tanks.