On April 2, 1990, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N82805) was involved in an aviation accident near Cottonwood, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE FAILURE TO THE PILOT TO MAINTAIN CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE DECISION OF THE PILOT TO ATTEMPT A LANDING IN A CROSS WIND CONDITION WELL BEYOND THE CAPABILITY OF THE AIRCRAFT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost control during a landing attempt at Scottsdale, Arizona, amid strong crosswinds estimated at 30 knots, resulting in a collision with the ground north of the airport.
What happened
Ground witnesses located at the Scottsdale, Arizona, airport reported to Federal Aviation Administration inspectors that the pilot was attempting a landing while facing a direct crosswind. Witnesses estimated the wind speed to be approximately 30 knots. During the approach near the touchdown point on the runway, the pilot reportedly lost control of the aircraft. The aircraft then collided with the ground situated on the north side of the airport.
The investigation
Following the incident, FAA inspectors attempted to gather additional information by repeatedly requesting the completion of a Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report form from the pilot involved in the accident. These requests met with no response from the pilot.