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.
What happened in the 21 Oct 1985 Aeronca 11AC accident near Wallace, NC?
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 aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 21 Oct 1985 involved an Aeronca 11AC, registration N86097, at Wallace, NC.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
Loss of control during initial takeoff climb due to drifting right, likely influenced by wind conditions.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…