On July 1, 1982, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N1838E) operated by Bill Barrett was involved in an aviation accident near Near Creswell, OR. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft crashed while performing a low pass over a grass field. The pilot reported striking the ground westbound toward the setting sun, but could not recall crash details. Witnesses observed low-altitude maneuvering prior to impact.
Incident Overview
An aircraft crashed while the pilot was making a low pass over a grass field. The pilot subsequently reported that the plane struck the ground while proceeding westbound toward the setting sun, but did not remember the details of the crash.
Witness Accounts
An instructor pilot and his student observed the aircraft maneuvering at low altitude before it crashed. The instructor reported seeing the plane maneuver in a manner similar to what a crop duster might have done, but noted that he was not watching at the moment the aircraft struck the ground.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that he was proceeding westbound and that the plane impacted the ground, but was unable to recall further specifics regarding the sequence of events leading to the crash.