Casualties unknown

Forced Landing Following Unsuccessful Engine Restart Ends with Tree Collision (N86120)

Council Bluffs, IA, US

On December 1, 1984, an Aeronca 11AC (registration N86120) was involved in an aviation accident near Council Bluffs, IA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot practicing engine restarts experienced an unsuccessful restart due to a non-windmilling propeller and lack of starter, leading to a forced landing where gusty winds carried the aircraft into a tree.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that after practicing landings, he climbed the aircraft to 5,000 feet above the airport. He flew around for a period to cool the engine, then shut it down to practice restarts. The first restart was successful, but the engine was shut down a second time. This second restart was unsuccessful because the propeller had stopped windmilling, and the aircraft was not equipped with a starter.

Forced Landing

Upon descending to 2,500 feet MSL, the pilot began concentrating on executing a forced landing. After one circle over the airport, he determined that he was still too high and made a second circle. During this second circle, the wind, which was gusting to 25 knots, blew the aircraft away from the runway.

Collision

The aircraft subsequently collided with a small tree during the forced landing. The pilot did not report any injuries, and the extent of damage was not specified in the available information.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 1 Dec 1984 Aeronca 11AC accident near Council Bluffs, IA?

A pilot practicing engine restarts experienced an unsuccessful restart due to a non-windmilling propeller and lack of starter, leading to a forced landing where gusty winds carried the aircraft into a tree.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1 Dec 1984 involved an Aeronca 11AC, registration N86120, at Council Bluffs, IA.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001214X41861. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.