Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot selected unsuitable terrain for the takeoff.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot stated that shortly after takeoff the airplane experienced a loss of engine power. He made a successful forced landing in a field. The pilot determined that the power loss was probably due to carburetor ice. He started the engine and 'it ran perfectly fine.' he then attempted a takeoff from the field. The airplane encountered uneven terrain, became airborne, and drifted toward utility poles where the tail wheel struck a wire. The tail wheel separated from the fuselage and the airplane nosed over.
Source record
Factual narrative
On June 18, 1995, about 1830 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca 65-LB, NC33719, collided with an object during takeoff from a grass field near Grand River, Ohio. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed. The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Willoughby Lost Nation Municipal Airport, in Willoughby, Ohio, about 1800. The pilot stated that he departed Willoughby and turned out over Lake Erie, with an intended destination of Casement Airport, in Painesville, Ohio. He reported that about three to five minutes into the flight the engine "...abruptly quit." The pilot made a successful forced landing in a near-by field. The pilot stated that he suspected carburetor ice and that he had not applied carburetor heat. The pilot restarted the engine, and "...it ran perfectly fine," so he attempted to takeoff from the field. During the takeoff run the airplane encountered uneven terrain and became airborne. The airplane drifted toward utility poles and the tail wheel struck a wire. The tail wheel separated from the fuselage and the airplane nosed over into the ground. According to a Federal Aviation Administration Air Safety Inspector, the carburetor and fuel where examined at the accident site and no anomalies were noted. -