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Casualties unknown

Instructor and Student Collide with Terrain During Ridge Climb (N85022)

Victorville, CA, US

On September 11, 1987, an Aeronca CHAMP 7AC (registration N85022) operated by Midfield Aviation was involved in an aviation accident near Victorville, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

During a climb over a ridge, a student pilot pushed the stick forward to avoid powerlines, resulting in a collision with terrain. The instructor reported no mechanical issues and that weather was not a factor, but felt the aircraft sinking.

Accident Details

According to the instructor, the accident occurred while the aircraft was climbing out over a ridge. The instructor was seated in the back and the student was in the front. The instructor heard the student yell something and looked out the front windscreen just in time to see powerlines. Simultaneously, the student pushed the stick forward to go under the power lines and the aircraft collided with the terrain.

Pilot Statements

The instructor provided the information regarding the accident sequence. The student cannot remember what happened. No mechanical problems were reported.

Environmental Conditions

Winds were reported from 250 degrees at 5 knots at the time of the accident. The instructor stated that prior to the accident, weather was not a problem. However, as they were climbing out over the ridge, the instructor thought he felt the aircraft sinking for an unknown reason.

Related events

Same operator

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 Sept 1987 Aeronca CHAMP 7AC accident near Victorville, CA?

During a climb over a ridge, a student pilot pushed the stick forward to avoid powerlines, resulting in a collision with terrain. The instructor reported no mechanical issues and that weather was not a factor, but felt the aircraft sinking.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 Sept 1987 involved an Aeronca CHAMP 7AC, registration N85022, operated by Midfield Aviation, at Victorville, CA.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X32120. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.