Summary
On May 15, 2017, a Aeronca 7AC (N3046E) was involved in an incident near Lebanon, OR. 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 directional control during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions.
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll in a crosswind, the airplane "started weathervaneing me[him] with some sideways sliding". He added that he decided to go-ground, but about two feet above the ground, "knowing I [he] couldn't climb fast enough to clear the top of the hangers on the east side of the runway, I [he] pulled power back". The airplane touched down again, exited the left side of the runway crossed a ditch, and came to rest on the taxi way.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA288. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N3046E.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll in a crosswind, the airplane "started weathervaneing me[him] with some sideways sliding". He added that he decided to go-ground, but about two feet above the ground, "knowing I [he] couldn't climb fast enough to clear the top of the hangers on the east side of the runway, I [he] pulled power back". The airplane touched down again, exited the left side of the runway crossed a ditch, and came to rest on the taxi way.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported the wind as wind as variable at 10-15 knots and wind gusts at 15 knots. The pilot landed on runway 34.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA288