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.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 2 Apr 1990 Aeronca 7AC accident near Cottonwood, AZ?
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 aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Apr 1990 involved an Aeronca 7AC, registration N82805, at Cottonwood, AZ.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
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.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…