Accident Overview
On March 20, 2025, at approximately 1400 Alaska daylight time, an Aeronca 7CCM airplane, registration N2527B, was involved in an accident near Kenai, Alaska, resulting in substantial damage. The pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. The flight was being conducted under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 as a personal flight.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that while cruising at about 1,500 feet mean sea level, the engine experienced a total loss of power. In response, the pilot initiated a forced landing toward an abandoned access road. During the landing, the airplane collided with trees, causing substantial damage to the left wing.
Postaccident Examination
Following the accident, an examination of the engine was conducted. Fuel found in the system was blue in color, consistent with aviation fuel, and no water was observed. Both magnetos and all sparkplugs were secure, with no apparent damage to wiring. The engine oil was black and of thick viscosity. The engine primer was used twice, and the engine started immediately, running smoothly. Engine oil pressure indicated in the green range on the instrument panel. The engine produced full power and operated on both magnetos individually without hesitation. An engine run-up check revealed no abnormalities.
Review of accident site photographs taken by FAA inspectors showed what appeared to be the carburetor heat control in the Off position. After wreckage recovery, the carburetor heat control was found full forward, in the Off position. No evidence of any mechanical malfunction or anomaly that would have precluded normal operation of the engine, fuel system, or propellers was discovered.
Pilot Remarks and Weather Conditions
The pilot, who had been flying in the area and had completed her flight review without any carburetor icing issues, stated that she had been using carburetor heat throughout the day but could not recall whether the carburetor heat was On or Off when the engine lost power.
The reported temperature from a location approximately 2 miles from the accident site was 42.8°F, with a dew point of 24.8°F. A review of FAA Special Airworthiness Information Bulletin CE-09-35, "Carburetor Icing and Prevention," indicates that these weather conditions were conducive to carburetor ice at glide or cruise power.