On April 19, 1990, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N2275E) was involved in an aviation accident near Blossvale, NY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a landing in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and striking trees. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported losing directional control just before touchdown on Runway 6 due to strong gusty winds, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and strike trees.
What happened
The pilot was conducting a landing approach on Runway 6 under windy conditions. Just prior to touchdown, the pilot reported that the aircraft appeared to be forced downward onto the runway surface. Immediately following contact with the pavement, the airplane veered sharply to the right.
Despite applying rudder inputs and braking, the pilot stated these controls had no effect in turning the airplane back toward the runway centerline. The aircraft continued its departure from the paved surface and subsequently contacted trees located on the side of the runway.
Findings
The pilot reported wind conditions at the time of the incident as being from the south at 15 knots with gusts reaching 20 knots. These gusty crosswind conditions likely contributed to the loss of directional control during the critical phase of landing.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a landing in gusty wind conditions, which resulted in the aircraft veering off the runway and striking trees.