FlightFinder
Check my flight
Casualties unknown

Stall and Ground Contact During Initial Climb After Takeoff (N7578B)

Slatington, PA, US

On July 9, 1992, an Aeronca 7EC (registration N7578B) operated by Irvin And Margaret Baker was involved in an aviation accident near Slatington, PA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE LOSS OF CONTROL IN FLIGHT FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL AT AN ALTITUDE INSUFFICIENT FOR RECOVERY. 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

A witness reported that shortly after takeoff, the airplane climbed, then pitched up at treetop level, stalled at 50-75 ft, and nosed over after ground contact. Investigation found no airplane anomalies but revealed debris on the ceiling.

Accident Sequence

According to a witness, shortly after takeoff the airplane attained a climb angle and then pitched up upon reaching treetop level. The pitch attitude continued to increase until a stall occurred at an approximate altitude of 50 to 75 feet above the ground. The airplane's nose then dropped and contacted the ground about 40 feet right of the runway centerline in a steep nose-down attitude. Following ground contact, the airplane nosed over.

Investigation Findings

The on-scene investigation did not reveal any airplane anomalies. The engine primer shaft was found sheared in the full out position, lying on the ceiling of the airplane. Other debris, including a pen, small wrench, and window cleaning solution, were also found on the airplane's ceiling above the pilot's seat.

Loss of control in flightAerodynamic stall

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 9 Jul 1992 Aeronca 7EC accident near Slatington, PA?

A witness reported that shortly after takeoff, the airplane climbed, then pitched up at treetop level, stalled at 50-75 ft, and nosed over after ground contact. Investigation found no airplane anomalies but revealed debris on the ceiling.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 9 Jul 1992 involved an Aeronca 7EC, registration N7578B, operated by Irvin And Margaret Baker, at Slatington, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

THE LOSS OF CONTROL IN FLIGHT FOR UNDETERMINED REASONS WHICH RESULTED IN AN INADVERTENT STALL AT AN ALTITUDE INSUFFICIENT FOR RECOVERY.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X15055. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.