Summary
On May 28, 2018, a Aeronca 7AC (N84163) was involved in an incident near Vinton, IA. All 2 people 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 while landing in gusting tailwind conditions.
After overflying the airport to determine the wind direction, the pilot reported that, she landed in variable crosswind conditions, during touchdown "at or near stall speed", the tailwheel-equipped airplane encountered a gust of wind. She added, the airplane veered left and she attempted to correct with immediate application of right rudder and right brake. Subsequently, the airplane exited the left side of the runway into the grass and the right wingtip struck the ground.
This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA18CA317. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N84163.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusting tailwind conditions.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
After overflying the airport to determine the wind direction, the pilot reported that, she landed in variable crosswind conditions, during touchdown "at or near stall speed", the tailwheel-equipped airplane encountered a gust of wind. She added, the airplane veered left and she attempted to correct with immediate application of right rudder and right brake. Subsequently, the airplane exited the left side of the runway into the grass and the right wingtip struck the ground. She added that she was able to taxi the airplane to park.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right wing spar, and right wing lift strut.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system located at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 140° at 11 knots, gusting to 18 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# GAA18CA317