Accident Details
On June 14, 2018, at approximately 1115 central daylight time, an Aeronca 7BCM airplane, N9098C, was substantially damaged in an accident near Eureka Springs, Arkansas. The private pilot, who was operating the airplane as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91, sustained serious injuries.
The accident occurred during the pilot's first flight after purchasing the airplane earlier that morning. The previous owner had refueled the airplane with 100 low-lead aviation fuel before the pilot arrived at Silver Wings Field Airport. The fuel tank contained about 13 gallons before departure. The pilot reported no anomalies during preflight inspection, cockpit orientation, or two engine run-ups, which included full engine speed checks, magneto checks, and carburetor heat cycling.
After an uneventful takeoff from runway 34, the airplane climbed above trees at the runway end. However, shortly after clearing the trees, at about 200 ft above ground level, the engine suddenly lost partial power, producing insufficient thrust to sustain level flight. The pilot immediately decided to return to the airport due to heavily wooded terrain ahead. During a steep left turn, the airplane entered an aerodynamic stall at low altitude and impacted terrain in a left-wing-down, nose-down attitude.
Examination Findings
An FAA airworthiness inspector completed an onsite examination. Substantial damage was found to the forward fuselage, outboard left wing, and both wing struts. Flight control continuity was confirmed. Recovered fuel from the fuel filter and carburetor was blue, smelled of 100LL, and uncontaminated. The engine remained attached to the firewall, but the carburetor separated on impact. Internal continuity, compression, and suction were noted on all cylinders. Spark plugs showed normal operation, and both magnetos produced spark. The propeller had S-shape bends, twisting, gouging, and burnishing. No evidence of mechanical malfunction that would have precluded normal operation was found.
Maintenance History
According to available records, the airplane had flown 0.75 hours since its last annual inspection on October 21, 2016. The pilot, who also held an aviation mechanic certificate with inspector authorization, did not apply for a ferry flight permit before the flight.