N81616

On February 13, 1994, at 1345 eastern standard time (est), an Aeronca 7AC, N81616, registered to John C. Amundson of Hartford, Michigan, and piloted by a commercially certificated pilot, was substantially damaged during its takeoff roll on Runway 27 (4,700' X 100' dry asphalt) at the Dowagiac Municipal Airport, Dowagiac, Michigan. The airplane collided with a snowbank and nosed over. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was not operating under a flight plan. The pilot reported no injuries. The flight departed Dowagiac, Michigan, at 1342 est.

According to the pilot's written statement on NTSB Form 6120.1/2, he decided to practice taxiing before flight. During the taxi practice, the pilot said he applied about 50 percent power and "...full aileron deflection..." to the left. The pilot said that shortly after doing this the tailwheel lifted off the runway surface and the airplane veered to the right. The pilot stated the wind was coming from approximately 180 degrees and had a speed between five and ten knots with gusts to twelve knots.

The pilot said he reduced power and "...attempted to correct with rudder..." as the airplane headed for a snowbank at the runway's edge. He stated he "...lifted the aircraft over..." the snowbank As the airplane cleared the snowbank, the pilot said it settled into snow and nosed over.