What happened
On May 24, 2025, at 1300 EDT, an Aeronca 7AC, registration N2659E, was involved in an accident near Westphalia, Michigan. The flight was being operated under Part 91 as a personal flight.
The pilot flew the aircraft to Forest Hill Airport in Westphalia, where a full-stop landing was completed. Following the landing, the pilot taxied back on the runway for a subsequent takeoff. The takeoff proceeded normally until the aircraft reached an altitude of 100 feet above ground level, at which point the engine experienced a total loss of power.
The pilot subsequently executed a forced landing into a field. Upon touchdown, the aircraft nosed over because of muddy field conditions. The accident resulted in no injuries to the pilot, but the aircraft sustained substantial damage to both wings.