Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during take-off, which resulted in an inadvertent ground swerve and subsequent dragging of the right wing. The pilot's lack of experience in the make/model of aircraft was a related factor.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On June 22, 1996, approximately 1930 Pacific daylight time, an Aeronca 7AC, N81966, being flown by a private pilot, was substantially damaged when the aircraft's right wing struck the ground during takeoff from runway 28L at Evergreen Field, Vancouver, Washington. The pilot and passenger were uninjured. Visual meteorological conditions existed and no flight plan had been filed. The flight, which was personal, was to have been operated under 14CFR91.
The pilot reported to an FAA inspector that during the initial takeoff roll he "got a little sideways" and slammed the right wing into the ground immediately after becoming airborne. The pilot reported having only 2 hours of time in the 7AC aircraft prior to the accident.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# SEA96LA135