On October 21, 1985, an Aeronca 11AC (registration N86097) was involved in an aviation accident near Wallace, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: Loss of control during initial takeoff climb due to drifting right, likely influenced by wind conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft collided with terrain after drifting right during initial takeoff climb. Strong, gusty winds were reported prior to departure, though conditions had subsided by the time of lift-off.
What happened
The aircraft experienced a loss of control during the initial phase of flight following takeoff. The pilot reported that after clearing nearby trees at an altitude of approximately 200 feet, the aircraft began to drift to the right. As the tail section rose, it forced the nose downward, leading directly to an impact with the ground.
The investigation
The pilot provided a detailed account of the flight conditions leading up to the accident. It was noted that winds were strong and gusty during the daytime hours prior to departure. However, these conditions had subsided by the time the aircraft commenced its takeoff roll.
Probable cause
Loss of control during initial takeoff climb due to drifting right, likely influenced by wind conditions.