N1831E

Substantial
None

Aeronca Aircraft Corporation 7ACS/N: 7AC5399

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, March 15, 2009
NTSB Number
CEN09CA210
Location
Bagley, MN
Event ID
20090316X92910
Coordinates
47.364723, -95.527221
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's delayed aborted takeoff, which resulted in the ski-equipped airplane running aground and striking trees. Contributing to the accident was the slush layer that had formed since the previous landing.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
AERONCA AIRCRAFT CORPORATION
Serial Number
7AC5399
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1946
Model / ICAO
7ACCH7A
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
7AC

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
BACON JOSEPH M
Address
11351 CHATEAU RIDGE TRAIL
City
FENTON
State / Zip Code
MI 48430
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot landed the ski-equipped airplane on the snow-covered frozen lake earlier in the day. After several hours of ice fishing, he taxied the airplane to the east side of the lake for departure. The lake's longest axis (east/west) was approximately 2,000 feet long. The pilot reported that the lake's orientation, terrain gradient, shoreline trees, and prevailing winds favored a departure to the west. During the takeoff run, the airplane accelerated slower than normal due to a slush layer that had formed since the previous landing. The pilot reported that the tail became airborne about halfway across the lake, but he aborted the takeoff when the airplane had not attained flying airspeed after crossing 3/4 of the lake. The airplane was unable to stop before running aground and impacting several trees, substantially damaging the fuselage and both wings.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# CEN09CA210