Champion 7ECA N5191X

Summary

On 23 July 2011 at about 11:52 local time, a Champion 7ECA registered N5191X, operated by Manning Richard F JR, was involved in an accident near Hinesville, Georgia, United States. 2 people were on board and one was seriously injured, 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

23 July 2011 at 11:52

Classification

Accident

Location

Hinesville, Georgia, United States

Nearest airport

Midcoast Regional Airport (LHW)

Coordinates

31.8714, -81.5617

Aircraft

Champion 7ECA

Registration

N5191X

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

Manning Richard F JR

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Hinesville → Hinesville

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

ERA11LA416

1 person was seriously injured.

The total loss of engine power due to the improper installation of the carburetor air filter by maintenance personnel, which resulted in the filter becoming dislodged and obstructing the carburetor. Contributing to the accident was the pilot did not maintain adequate airspeed during the forced landing, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

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

Read the full NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the airplane had climbed to about 900 feet above ground level after takeoff when the engine experienced a total loss of engine power. The pilot initiated a turn back toward the airport. While on final approach, the airplane stalled and collided with a fence. A postaccident examination of the engine carburetor revealed that a large piece of foam from the air filter element was lodged in the venturi of the carburetor. A review of the airplane’s logbooks revealed that an air filter element was installed during the engine overhaul 31 hours before the accident. It is likely that the air filter was installed incorrectly, thus causing the air filter element to become dislodged and drawn into the carburetor venturi.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.