Casualties unknown

Loss of Control During Crosswind Landing Leads to Runway Excursion and Fence Collision (N86073)

Tampa, FL, US

On December 6, 1988, an Aeronca 11AC (registration N86073) operated by Mclendon, Morris L. was involved in an aviation accident near Tampa, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in a crosswind, aggravated by over-application of the controls and adding full throttle. 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

During a crosswind landing, the pilot lost directional control, over-applied controls, and added full throttle, causing the aircraft to depart the runway and hit a fence. The check pilot could not regain control due to the pilot's inputs and lack of brakes on his side.

Incident Overview

According to the pilot's statement, the flight was conducting a landing in crosswind conditions. The pilot reported that he failed to maintain directional control during the landing. He further stated that he aggravated the loss of control by over-applying the controls and adding full throttle, which led to the aircraft departing the runway and colliding with a fence.

Contributing Factors

The pilot noted that the check pilot was unable to regain control because of the pilot's control inputs and the fact that the check pilot did not have brakes on his side.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft was on landing approach in crosswind conditions. During the landing, the pilot lost directional control. The pilot's subsequent over-application of controls and addition of full throttle exacerbated the situation, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway. The aircraft then struck a fence.

The check pilot attempted to intervene but was unable to regain control due to the ongoing pilot inputs and the absence of brakes on the check pilot's side.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in a crosswind, aggravated by over-application of the controls and adding full throttle.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 Dec 1988 Aeronca 11AC accident near Tampa, FL?

During a crosswind landing, the pilot lost directional control, over-applied controls, and added full throttle, causing the aircraft to depart the runway and hit a fence. The check pilot could not regain control due to the pilot's inputs and lack of brakes on his side.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 Dec 1988 involved an Aeronca 11AC, registration N86073, operated by Mclendon, Morris L., at Tampa, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing in a crosswind, aggravated by over-application of the controls and adding full throttle.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X27455. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.