Accident Details
On June 30, 2021, at about 1800 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca 15AC airplane, registration N1175H, sustained substantial damage during an accident near Hastings, Michigan. The airplane was being operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The pilot receiving instruction and the flight instructor were not injured.
The flight instructor reported that approximately 45 minutes into a flight review, the engine lost power following a practice go-around. The pilot noted that the engine ran well during the initial portion of the go-around. At about 400 feet above ground level, the engine sputtered and lost power. When the pilot leveled the wings, engine power was restored. The flight instructor then took control of the airplane, after which the engine lost power again. The flight instructor performed a forced landing to a grass area on airport property. During the landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted near a perimeter fence, resulting in substantial damage to the left-wing strut and rudder.
Fuel Information
The pilot reported that the flight departed with about 15 total gallons of fuel: 8 gallons in the left wing fuel tank and 7 gallons in the right wing fuel tank. The airplane was equipped with sight gauges at each wing root to indicate fuel quantity. The flight instructor recalled that, shortly before the loss of engine power, about 8 gallons remained in the left fuel tank and 2 gallons in the right fuel tank. The mechanic who recovered the airplane reported that about 6 gallons remained in the left fuel tank and 2 gallons in the right fuel tank. The fuel caps were secure, and the accident site did not exhibit any evidence of a fuel spill.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination and engine test run did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction. Continuity of the airframe fuel system was confirmed.