Incident Overview
On August 6, 2012, at approximately 1720 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca 7AC, registration N82836, experienced a partial loss of engine power shortly after takeoff from Ashlawn Airport (3PN1) in Clifford, Pennsylvania. The pilot subsequently executed a landing in a grassy area parallel to the departure runway. The commercial pilot was not injured, but the airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and gear attach points. The aircraft was operated by a private individual under 14 CFR Part 91 as a personal flight, with visual meteorological conditions prevailing. No flight plan was filed for the local flight.
Pilot Account
According to the pilot, after departing in a northerly direction, the engine lost partial power at about 100 feet above ground level. The pilot attempted a 180-degree turn to land on the runway in the opposite direction but, due to low altitude, chose to land approximately 60 feet west of and parallel to the runway in a field. During the landing, the landing gear collapsed, and the aircraft came to rest upright in tall grass. The fuselage and gear attach points sustained substantial damage.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the engine by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector confirmed continuity from the propeller hub to the rear accessory pad. Fuel was present in the fuel lines, the fuel screen was clear, and the fuel contained no water. Thumb compression was confirmed on all cylinders, though the aft two cylinders exhibited weak compression. Examination of the bottom spark plugs revealed that at least one of the aft spark plugs was oily.
Engine Information
The pilot reported that the airplane was equipped with a Continental Motors A-65-8 engine rated at 65 horsepower, with 2,860 total hours in service, 730 hours since overhaul, and 72 hours since its most recent inspection.
Carburetor Icing Consideration
The carburetor icing probability chart from DOT/FAA/CT-82/44 Publication indicated a probability of serious icing at glide power given the temperature and dew point reported at the time of the accident.