AERONCA 15AC

Full Narrative

On June 30, 2021, about 1800 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca 15AC airplane, N1175H, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Hastings, Michigan. The pilot receiving instruction and flight instructor were not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight.

The flight instructor reported that, about 45 minutes into a flight review, the engine lost power following a practice go-around. The pilot noted that the engine was “good and strong” during the initial portion of the go-around. About 400 ft above ground level, the engine “sputtered” and lost power. When the pilot leveled the wings, engine power was restored. The flight instructor took control of the airplane, and the engine subsequently lost power again, after which the flight instructor performed a forced landing to a grass area on airport property. During the landing, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted near the perimeter fence, resulting in substantial damage to the left-wing strut and rudder.

The pilot reported that they departed on the flight with about 15 total gallons of fuel; 8 gallons in the left wing fuel tank and 7 gallons in the right wing fuel tank. The airplane was equipped with sight gauges at each wing root to indicate fuel quantity. The flight instructor recalled that, shortly before the loss of engine power, about 8 gallons and 2 gallons of fuel remained in the left and right fuel tanks, respectively. The mechanic who recovered the airplane reported that about 6 gallons remained in the left fuel tank and 2 gallons remained in the right fuel tank. The fuel caps were secure, and the accident site did not exhibit any evidence of a fuel spill.

A postaccident examination and engine test run did not reveal any anomalies consistent with a preimpact failure or malfunction. Continuity of the airframe fuel system was confirmed.