AERONCA 11AC

Full Narrative

On July 27, 2024, about 1157 Pacific daylight time, an Aeronca 11AC, N86270 sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Winchester, California.  The pilot and passenger were not injured.  The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot reported that he departed Brown Field Municipal Airport (SDM), San Diego, California, with an intended destination of Hemet Ryan Field (HMT) Hemet, California. Approximately 6 miles south of HMT, the engine rpm decreased from 2,400 to 2,000 rpm, which was followed by a vibration and grinding sound. The pilot troubleshot the reduction in engine rpm by applying carburetor heat and cycling between both magnetos while he noted the oil temperature remained with the normal operating range, but oil pressure was decreasing. The engine subsequently lost total power and the propeller remained windmilling.
Following an unsuccessful attempt to restart the engine, the pilot initiated a forced landing in an open field. When the main wheels contacted terrain, the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. Postaccident examination of the airplane revealed that the leftwing lift strut was bent.
The airplane was recovered to a secure location for examination.