Probable cause
A total loss of engine power due to obstruction of the carburetor air intake by a piece of the air filter gasket that had become detached.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was returning to the airport to practice takeoffs and landings. About 15 minutes into the flight, while flying level at 1,900 ft mean sea level, the engine "abruptly" stopped. The pilot performed a forced landing to a nearby muddy hay field. During the landing roll, the right main landing gear buckled, collapsing the gear rearward and resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and fuselage.
Engine control continuity was confirmed, and spark from both magnetos and all spark plugs were noted. A mechanic working on the airplane following the accident reported that a piece of the air filter gasket was lodged in the carburetor intake. It is likely that the obstruction of airflow caused by the gasket resulted in the loss of engine power.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN19LA202 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 29, 2019
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Zelienople, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Zelienople Municipal (PJC)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca L16A
- N-number
- N9325H
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
Other records under this N-number
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.