N83866

On September 1, 2000 at 1538 central daylight time, an Aeronca BL7-AC tail wheel equipped airplane, N83866, registered to and operated by the pilot, was substantially damaged following a loss of control while landing on Runway 23 at the Hot Springs Municipal Airport, Hot Springs, Arkansas. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant, was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight. The cross-country flight had last departed Conway Field, Conway, Arkansas, at 1445.

The pilot reported on NTSB Form 6120.1/2, that he had departed Conway to continue on his planned cross-country flight. He reported the visibility to be about 3-5 miles in "hazy" conditions. About 20 minutes into the flight, he observed several lightning strikes ahead and to the north of his position. He immediately turned 180 degrees to return to Conway, and after flying about 5 minutes, it appeared that a storm was developing to the north in his flight path toward Conway. He then decided to fly south toward Hot Springs, which was the closest airport, to sit and wait out the weather. Upon reaching Hot Springs, he made one pass over midfield to check the windsock. The winds appeared to be light and variable out of the west, so he entered a downwind for Runway 23.

On final approach, just before touchdown, "wind started to buffet the aircraft." The pilot had to utilize full aileron deflection to keep the right wing down after touchdown. The airplane then started to drift off the runway and into the grass. As this was occurring, the pilot started to apply "a little power" to gain more rudder control when "a large gust of wind hit the aircraft causing the right wing to [go] completely over, striking the surface." Subsequently, the airplane nosed over and came to rest "upside down."

Examination of the wreckage by an FAA inspector revealed damage to the right wing spar, both wing struts, and the rudder.

The windsock at Hot Springs was found to be serviceable. The wind, reported by Hot Springs 16 minutes after the accident, was from 260 degrees at 16 knots with gusts to 26 knots.