Summary
On September 01, 1999, a Aeronca 11BC (N86096) was involved in an incident near Heber City, UT. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff roll. Factors were the gusting crosswind conditions, and the airport sign.
On September 1, 1999, approximately 1615 mountain daylight time, an Aeronca Chief 11BC, N86096, was substantially damaged during takeoff when the left wing strut impacted an airport sign at Heber City Municipal Airport, Heber City, Utah. The private pilot, the sole occupant in the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was being operated by the pilot under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight which was originating at the time of the accident. No flight plan had been filed.
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll on runway 21, a gust of wind lifted the right wing.
This incident is documented in NTSB report DEN99LA161. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N86096.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control during takeoff roll. Factors were the gusting crosswind conditions, and the airport sign.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On September 1, 1999, approximately 1615 mountain daylight time, an Aeronca Chief 11BC, N86096, was substantially damaged during takeoff when the left wing strut impacted an airport sign at Heber City Municipal Airport, Heber City, Utah. The private pilot, the sole occupant in the airplane, was not injured. The airplane was being operated by the pilot under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the cross-country flight which was originating at the time of the accident. No flight plan had been filed.
The pilot reported that during the takeoff roll on runway 21, a gust of wind lifted the right wing. He reduced power to idle, but the airplane departed the left side of the runway and impacted an airport "light stand." The pilot had the airplane examined by a mechanic, then continued the flight the following morning. The airplane's left rear strut was subsequently replaced.
The pilot reported that the "light stand" was approximately 630 feet from the point where power was first applied, and approximately 54 feet left of the runway's edge.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# DEN99LA161