Champion 7FC N7694E

Summary

On 18 February 2006 at about 15:15 local time, a Champion 7FC registered N7694E, operated by Stephen Larrabee, was involved in an accident near Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, United States. One person was on board and one had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

18 February 2006 at 15:15

Classification

Accident

Location

Dover-Foxcroft, Maine, United States

Nearest airport

Charles Chase Jr. Memorial (44B)

Coordinates

44.6948, -69.3823

Aircraft

Champion 7FC

Registration

N7694E

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Stephen Larrabee

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Dover-Foxcroft → Ornville

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

NYC06LA070

1 person had minor injuries.

The pilot's inadequate preflight inspection, which failed to detect ice in the fuel system, resulting in a loss of engine power during takeoff-initial climb, and an in-flight collision with trees.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

As the airplane reached an altitude of approximately 1,000 feet above ground level after takeoff, the engine lost power. The pilot unsuccessfully attempted to restart the engine, and then made a forced landing. During the forced landing, the airplane impacted trees and then the ground. Examination of the airplane revealed no mechanical anomalies. The pilot reported to an FAA inspector that he removed the gascolator fuel bowl after the accident, and observed ice in the bottom. He also reported that he performed a complete preflight inspection prior to takeoff.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.