WATKINS, CO, USA
N2915E
AERONCA 7AC
AFTER BEING AIRBORNE FOR APPROXIMATELY 20 MINUTES, ON A LOCAL AREA FLIGHT, THE PILOT RETURNED TO THE AIRPORT FOR LANDING AND DURING APPROACH THE ENGINE BEGAN TO LOSE POWER FOLLOWED BY A COMPLETE POWER LOSS. THE PILOT CONDUCTED A FORCED LANDING IN A FIELD APPROXIMATELY ONE QUARTER MILE FROM THE APPROACH END OF THE RUNWAY. THE FIELD WAS SOFT AND DURING LANDING ROLL, THE AIRCRAFT NOSED OVER. INSPECTION REVEALED DEBRIS IN THE CARBURETOR FILTER.
On June 20, 1993, at 1330 mountain daylight time, a Aeronca 7AC, N2915E, conducted a forced landing in a field approximately one quarter mile north of the east/west runway at Front Range Airport, Watkins, Colorado, following a total loss of power. The private pilot and his passenger were not injured; however, the aircraft sustained substantial damage. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for this local area personal flight and no flight plan was filed. The occurrence was reported to the Safety Board on July 1, 1993. At the time of the power loss, the aircraft was at an altitude of approximately 300 feet above ground level, over farm fields which were soft as a result of recent rains. Following the accident, the engine was examined by a mechanic. His report is attached and provides information that the carburetor fuel screen was plugged with debris which could have caused fuel starvation. The source of the material in the filter screen is unknown; however, the mechanic said it did not appear to be from the aircraft.
TOTAL LOSS OF POWER RESULTING FROM A BLOCKED CARBURETOR FUEL FILTER. A FACTOR WAS: SOFT TERRAIN ENCOUNTERED DURING THE FORCED LANDING.
Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database
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