N7694E

On July 19, 1998, at 1950 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca 7FC, N7694E, was substantially damaged when it struck trees during takeoff from a pond near Somesville, Maine. The certificated commercial pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated at Somesville, at 1950. No flight plan was filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.

In a written statement, the pilot said he completed all the before takeoff checks during the taxi. He said:

"All systems appeared ok, so I began my takeoff roll at 50 mph. Weather was clear at the time though a bit gusty from the southwest. I lifted off about [half] way down the pond. As I did so, the sun hit me directly in the eyes. At the time, I was wearing my prescription sunglasses. I felt temporarily blinded however and disoriented. I pulled back the power and at the same moment I felt a strong gust lift my left wing and drive me sidewards. I could not recover and in the process, my right wing struck a 5 [inch] diameter maple tree on the south side of the island."

The pilot reported his third class medical certificate was issued July 29, 1994. He further stated he had not completed a biennial flight review since July 28, 1992.

The pilot reported that there were no mechanical deficiencies with the airplane.

In the Recommendation Section of the NTSB Pilot/Operator report, the pilot said the accident could have been prevented by: "Flight at another time of the day without sun in eyes."