Casualties unknown

1989-08-04: Aeronca 7AC (N84709) — Rio Linda, CA

Rio Linda, CA, US

On August 4, 1989, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N84709) was involved in an aviation accident near Rio Linda, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN PROPER RUNWAY ALIGNMENT DURING AN ABORTED LANDING. RELATED FACTORS WERE: A FALSE AIRSPEED INDICATION, THE PILOT'S LACK OF FAMILIARITY WITH THE AIRCRAFT, HIS IMPROPER USE OF CARBURETOR HEAT, HIS DIVERTED ATTENTION, AND THE… 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot flying from Sacramento to Rio Linda experienced an airspeed indicator malfunction, bounced during landing, and during a go-around became distracted while searching for the carburetor heat control, resulting in the aircraft striking a fence.

Flight and Initial Issue

The pilot flew from Sacramento to Rio Linda, Lincoln, Marysville, and then back to Rio Linda. While departing Marysville, the pilot noticed an improper indication of the airspeed indicator, which was reading too low. The pilot assumed that a bug had blocked the pitot opening and continued to Rio Linda.

Landing and Bounces

On arrival at Rio Linda, the aircraft bounced during an attempted wheel landing. The pilot believed the airspeed may have been too high or too low, causing the aircraft to bounce. The pilot continued the landing, but the aircraft bounced again, prompting the pilot to initiate a go-around.

Go-Around and Distraction

During the go-around, the pilot became distracted by an inability to locate and turn off the carburetor heat. While looking for the carburetor heat control, the aircraft angled off the runway to the right and headed toward the wind tee and a fence that paralleled the runway.

Collision with Fence

The pilot avoided the wind tee, but the aircraft's right wing and tailwheel struck the fence.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X29148. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.