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 report: the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive (1962-1981)Updated 2026-07-04Data 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.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 Aug 1972 Ford 4 accident near Port Clinton (Erie-Ottawa-Carl R. Keller Field), United States of America?

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.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 Aug 1972 Ford 4 accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 Aug 1972 involved a Ford 4, registration N7684, operated by Island Airlines (Ohio), at Port Clinton (Erie-Ottawa-Carl R. Keller Field), United States of America.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

Engine failure or malfunction and stall during initial climb due to mixture control assemblies failure.