Aeronca 7AC N83826 accident near Clifford, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

Partial loss of engine power for reasons that could not be determined because postaccident examination did not reveal any anomalies that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB analysis

The pilot was departing on a personal flight, and during takeoff, the engine lost partial power. The pilot attempted to return to the airport; however, the airplane was not able to sustain flight, and the pilot elected to land about 60 feet to the west of and parallel to the runway. During the landing, the airplane's landing gear collapsed, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage and the landing gear attach points. Postaccident examination did not reveal a mechanical reason for the partial power loss. The reported weather conditions were conducive to serious carburetor icing at glide power; however, the engine was operated at a high power setting for takeoff, so carburetor ice was likely not the reason for the partial power loss of engine power.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA12LA507 for the full record.