Accident Details
At approximately 1157 Pacific daylight time on July 27, 2024, an Aeronca 11AC, registration N86270, was involved in an accident near Winchester, California. The aircraft sustained substantial damage. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The flight was being operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Flight History
The pilot reported that the flight departed Brown Field Municipal Airport (SDM) in San Diego, California, with the intended destination of Hemet Ryan Field (HMT) in Hemet, California. About 6 miles south of HMT, the engine rpm decreased from 2,400 to 2,000 rpm, which was followed by a vibration and grinding sound. The pilot attempted to troubleshoot the reduction in engine rpm by applying carburetor heat and cycling between both magnetos. During this time, the oil temperature remained within the normal operating range, but oil pressure was decreasing. The engine subsequently lost total power, and the propeller continued windmilling. An attempt to restart the engine was unsuccessful, after which the pilot initiated a forced landing in an open field. When the main wheels contacted the terrain, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted.
Postaccident Examination
A postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the left wing lift strut was bent. The airplane was recovered to a secure location for further examination.