Aeronca 11AC, N9500E: Accident occurred February 08, 2022 in Napa, California

This is preliminary information, subject to change, and may contain errors. Any errors in this report will be corrected when the final report has been completed. 

The National Transportation Safety Board did not travel to the scene of this accident.

Additional Participating Entity: 

Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; Sacramento, California

https://registry.faa.gov/N9500E

Location: Napa, California

Accident Number: WPR22LA099

Date and Time: February 8, 2022, 08:45 Local

Registration: N9500E

Aircraft: Aeronca 11AC

Injuries: 1 None

Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On February 8, 2022, about 0845 pacific standard time, an Aeronca 11AC Chief, N9500E, was substantially damaged when it was involved in an accident near Napa, California. The pilot was not injured. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that he departed University Airport (KEDU) Davis, California, and was enroute to Sonoma County Airport (KSTS), Santa Rosa, California. Approximately 30 minutes into the flight, about 20 nm north of Napa, CA, the engine lost all power. The pilot stated that the engine “got quiet”, the “tach dropped”, and the airplane could not maintain altitude. He immediately verified the throttle was full “in” and then pulled the carburetor heat to the OPEN position; however, the airplane continued to descend. The pilot made mayday calls and completed a forced landed in a field.

A post-accident examination revealed that the fuselage tubular frame was substantially damaged. The airplane and the engine were recovered to a secure facility for further examination.

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Make: Aeronca 

Registration: N9500E

Model/Series: 11AC NO SERIES

Aircraft Category: Airplane

Amateur Built:

Operator: On file

Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Operator Designator Code:

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site:

Condition of Light: Day

Observation Facility, Elevation: KAPC,14 ft msl 

Observation Time: 08:54 Local

Distance from Accident Site: 15 Nautical Miles 

Temperature/Dew Point: 7°C /6°C

Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear

Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: / ,

Lowest Ceiling: None

Visibility: 6 miles

Altimeter Setting: 30.32 inches Hg

Type of Flight Plan Filed: VFR

Departure Point: Davis, CA (KEDU)

Destination: Santa Rosa, CA (KSTS)

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None 

Aircraft Damage: Substantial

Passenger Injuries: 

Aircraft Fire: None

Ground Injuries:

Aircraft Explosion: None

Total Injuries: 1 None

Latitude, Longitude: 38.462184,-122.2149 (est)