Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE. FACTORS INCLUDE A TAILWIND, GUSTS, AND A TREE JUST OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE FIELD USED FOR TAKEOFF.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On January 2, 1994, at 1500 mountain standard time (MST), an Aeronca 7BCM, N4244A, collided with a tree just after lift-off from a field near Manila, Utah. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, received minor injuries, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The personal pleasure flight, which was departing for Rock Springs, Wyoming, was being operated in visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The pilot had not filed a flight plan, and the ELT, which was activated by the impact, was turned off at the scene.
According to the pilot, who was taking off from an 800 foot long open field, he was caught by a gust of quartering tailwind just after lift-off. The aircraft then experienced a decrease in airspeed and a significant decrease in rate of climb. This was followed by the aircraft impacting a tree situated just beyond the departure end of the field.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA94LA046