Aeronca 7AC N84362 accident near Sandersville, Georgia

Probable cause

A total loss of engine power for undetermined reasons.

NTSB analysis

The pilot departed on the cross country flight with a full load of fuel. As he began a descent to enter the traffic pattern at the destination airport, the pilot reduced engine power to 1,500 rpm and applied carburetor heat. The engine began losing power, so the pilot removed carburetor heat and applied throttle; but the engine then lost power completely. The pilot unsuccessfully attempted to restore engine power, and subsequently performed a forced landing. The airplane impacted a berm approximately 1/4 mile from the runway threshold, which resulted in substantial damage. A postacccident examination revealed that the fuel header tank contained approximately 8.5 gallons of uncontaminated fuel. During subsequent testing, the engine started, ran continuously, and showed no evidence of any mechanical anomalies. While the airplane was operating in conditions conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power at the time of the accident, the investigation was unable to determine if carburetor ice caused the power loss.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10LA314 for the full record.