No fatalities

Engine Failure During Climb Leads to Crash at Port Clinton Airport (N7684)

Port Clinton (Erie-Ottawa-Carl R. Keller Field), United States of AmericaTakeoff (climb)

On August 21, 1972, a Ford 4 (registration N7684) operated by Island Airlines (Ohio) was involved in an aviation accident near Port Clinton (Erie-Ottawa-Carl R. Keller Field), United States of America during takeoff. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Engine failure or malfunction and stall during initial climb due to mixture control assemblies failure. This summary draws on records from the Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A); 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

Sourcesthe Bureau of Aircraft Accidents Archives (B3A)Primary reportUpdated 2026-06-12Data APIEditorial standards

A touristic flight from Port Clinton Airport to Put-in-Bay crashed after the right engine lost power. All 16 occupants were evacuated; one passenger sustained serious injuries. Investigation cited engine failure and stall due to mixture control failure.

Accident Overview

A touristic flight operating from Port Clinton Airport to Put-in-Bay experienced a loss of power in the right engine shortly after liftoff. The aircraft subsequently lost altitude and impacted terrain near the runway. All 16 occupants evacuated the aircraft, and one passenger was seriously injured.

Probable Cause

The official investigation determined the probable cause to be an engine failure or malfunction and a stall during initial climb due to failure of mixture control assemblies. The following factors were reported: powerplant improperly secured and installed, inadequate maintenance and inspection, pilot failed to maintain flying speed, right engine lost power, safety wire failed allowing the mixture control to move from the rich position, and wires in poor condition.