N2504E

Substantial
None

AERONCA 7ACS/N: 7AC-6086

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, September 28, 2008
NTSB Number
NYC08CA325
Location
Mt. Pleasant, SC
Event ID
20081004X12050
Coordinates
32.897777, -79.782775
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during an emergency maneuver. Contributing to the accident was the failure of the left magneto.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
AERONCA
Serial Number
7AC-6086
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
7ACCH7A
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
7AC

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
CAPRA SALVATORE O
Address
2720 LONGWOOD DR
City
LAKELAND
State / Zip Code
FL 33811-3123
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the Aeronca 7AC stated that he intended to fly to another airport, and have an annual inspection completed on his airplane. During the engine run-up for departure, the pilot observed that the right magneto "failed." The pilot taxied the airplane back to the ramp, and a mechanic serviced the right magneto. The pilot then performed another engine run-up, which was satisfactory, and the airplane departed on runway 17. About 50 feet above ground level, the engine lost partial power. The pilot attempted a left turn back toward the airport, as there were trees in front of him. During the turn, the airplane stalled, impacted terrain, and sustained damaged to the left wing, forward fuselage, and landing gear. The airplane was manufactured in 1946, and its most recent annual inspection was completed about 14 months prior to the accident. The airplane had accumulated 7 hours of operation since that inspection. The pilot reported a total flight experience of 2,055 hours; of which, 104 hours were in the accident airplane. The pilot had not flown during the 90-day period preceding the accident. Examination of the wreckage by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed an inoperative left magneto.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC08CA325