On April 12, 1987, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N1823E) was involved in an aviation accident near Sharpsburg, GA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
An aircraft departed a private grass airstrip for a local VFR flight, lifting off at about 1000 ft and climbing to 30 ft AGL. It then nosed up steeply near the runway end, struggled to climb, collided with trees, rolled right, and dove to the ground. The aircraft was loaded near gross weight and using auto fuel.
Departure and Initial Flight
The pilot departed a private grass airstrip for a local visual flight rules (VFR) flight. Witnesses observed the aircraft lift off the grass runway after about 1000 ft of ground roll. It climbed to approximately 30 ft above ground level (AGL) and then leveled off.
Steep Climb and Terrain
As the aircraft neared the end of the 1800 ft runway, it raised its nose into a 'fairly steep' climb attitude. The ground along the departure path slopes upward starting 1262 ft from the departure end of the runway.
Witness Observations and Collision
Witnesses reported that the aircraft appeared to be struggling to climb and then seemed to be laboring. It was observed to collide with trees, roll to the right, and dive to the ground.
Aircraft Loading and Fuel
The aircraft was loaded to near gross weight. Auto fuel was being used for the flight. Atmospheric conditions were favorable for carburetor ice at rated power.