Primary finding
Probable cause
The loss of engine power for undetermined cause. Contributing to the accident was the lack of suitable terrain for the forced landing.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The two cfi pilots were conducting a flight to regain currency in the conventional landing gear airplane, when the engine failed shortly after takeoff. They executed a forced landing to a golf course and struck trees on the landing roll. The airplane was recovered to an airport and the engine was started and ran normally. No reason for the loss of engine power could be determined.
Source record
Factual narrative
On November 11, 1994, about 1428 eastern standard time, N2984E, an Aeronca 7AC, registered to Huffman Aviation Inc., crashed after takeoff from Venice Airport, Venice, Florida, while on a 14 CFR Part 91 instructional flight. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the planned local flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the instructor and rated student pilot reported no injuries. The flight was originating at the time. The pilot-in-command stated the engine failed shortly after takeoff and he attempted a forced landing to a golf course. During the landing the wings struck trees. The airplane was recovered to Venice Airport, Venice, Florida, for examination. A local FAA inspector stated he was able to rig and alternate fuel source, strap the airplane on a trailer and start and run the engine. He further stated the engine ran normally to about 1800 rpm. -