Summary
On November 02, 2008, a Aeronca 7CCM (N2259E) was involved in an incident near Chadron, NE. 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 direction control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience.
The non-certificated pilot reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector that he was interested in purchasing the single-engine tailwheel equipped airplane. The pilot added that during the take-off, and approximately 40-50 feet into the air, the engine lost power. The pilot also stated that he tried to turn back to the runway, but was unable. The airplane's tail hit the ground first followed by the main wheels. An examination of the airplane and engine by the FAA, failed to identify any pre-impact abnormalities. A check of the runway and accident site, revealed tire skid marks (on the runway) pointing to the crash site. The marks continued onto the grass, with the tracks corresponding to the landing gear of Aeronca.
This incident is documented in NTSB report CEN09CA050. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2259E.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain direction control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The non-certificated pilot reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector that he was interested in purchasing the single-engine tailwheel equipped airplane. The pilot added that during the take-off, and approximately 40-50 feet into the air, the engine lost power. The pilot also stated that he tried to turn back to the runway, but was unable. The airplane's tail hit the ground first followed by the main wheels. An examination of the airplane and engine by the FAA, failed to identify any pre-impact abnormalities. A check of the runway and accident site, revealed tire skid marks (on the runway) pointing to the crash site. The marks continued onto the grass, with the tracks corresponding to the landing gear of Aeronca. At one point along the path, the ground had four deep cuts, with the first two cuts measuring about 12-inches deep. The ground scars were consistent with a rotating propeller, being driven. A review of the pilot's certificate revealed that he was issued a student pilot certificate in April 1990, and did not have any flight instructor endorsements.
The pilot did not submit a NTSB form 6120.1, Pilot/Operator Accident/Incident Report, as requested.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA050