On August 11, 1984, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N85625) was involved in an aviation accident near Fulshear, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A short duration cross-control condition between the student and instructor pilots during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the aircraft departing the right side of the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During the takeoff roll, a cross-control condition between student and instructor pilots caused the aircraft to depart the runway right side, resulting in gear collapse after hitting terrain irregularities.
What happened
The accident occurred during the initial phase of flight while the aircraft was accelerating down the runway for departure. According to the factual narrative provided, a "short duration cross control condition" developed between the student pilot and the instructor pilot. This loss of coordinated control resulted in the aircraft departing from the right side of the paved surface.
After leaving the runway, the aircraft encountered uneven terrain characterized by dirt banks and mud holes. The impact with these obstacles caused the landing gear to collapse. The aircraft eventually came to a stop in a nose-down attitude. No specific registration number was provided in the source text for this incident report.
The investigation
The available source material does not contain specific details regarding mechanical examinations or post-accident inspection findings beyond the immediate physical outcome of the landing gear collapse due to terrain impact.
Findings
The primary factor contributing to the accident was the cross-control condition that occurred between the student and instructor pilots during the takeoff roll. This loss of directional control led directly to the runway excursion and subsequent damage to the aircraft's undercarriage.
Probable cause
A short duration cross-control condition between the student and instructor pilots during the takeoff roll, which resulted in the aircraft departing the right side of the runway.