Preliminary information
On May 24, 2025, at 1300 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca 7AC, N2659E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Westphalia, Michigan. The commercial pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated under Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations as a Part 91 personal flight.
The pilot stated that he flew to Forest Hill Airport, Westphalia, Michigan, where he performed a full stop landing and taxied back on the runway for takeoff. The subsequent takeoff was normal until the airplane climbed to 100 ft above ground level, at which time the airplane experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot then performed a forced landing to a field where the airplane touched down and nosed over due to muddy field conditions. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings.
The airplane was retained from further examination.
Text from the NTSB; a preliminary report can change and names no cause. Open the NTSB docket for CEN25LA186 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 24, 2025
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Westphalia, Michigan
- Nearest airport
- Forest Hill Airport (3F5)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca 7AC
- N-number
- N2659E
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- 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.