On February 2, 1995, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N83981) was involved in an aviation accident near Big Bear City, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S IMPROPER RECOVERY FR0M A BOUNCED LANDING, AND HIS FAILURE TO ATTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED IN UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS FOR AN ATTEMPTED GO-AROUND (ABORTED LANDING), WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL/MUSH AND A DRAGGED WINGTIP. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot on his first solo flight in a conventional gear airplane experienced a bounced landing and a subsequent go-around attempt that resulted in a wing strike and substantial damage.
Incident Overview
The accident involved a conventional gear airplane on its pilot's first solo flight. The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings on a runway covered with snow. According to the pilot, the first two landings were conducted in calm air, but weather conditions unexpectedly shifted to gusty winds during the third landing.
Sequence of Events
During the third landing, the airplane bounced and departed the runway. A witness on the ground reported that the pilot applied power and initiated a go-around. However, shortly after lift-off, the right wing dropped and struck the ground. The airplane then spun around and came to rest. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
Investigation Details
No further details regarding the cause of the accident were provided in the source material. The investigation did not assign a probable cause.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 2 Feb 1995 Aeronca 7AC accident near Big Bear City, CA?
A pilot on his first solo flight in a conventional gear airplane experienced a bounced landing and a subsequent go-around attempt that resulted in a wing strike and substantial damage.
Were there any fatalities in the 2 Feb 1995 Aeronca 7AC accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 2 Feb 1995 involved an Aeronca 7AC, registration N83981, at Big Bear City, CA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
THE PILOT'S IMPROPER RECOVERY FR0M A BOUNCED LANDING, AND HIS FAILURE TO ATTAIN ADEQUATE AIRSPEED IN UNFAVORABLE WIND CONDITIONS FOR AN ATTEMPTED GO-AROUND (ABORTED LANDING), WHICH RESULTED IN A STALL/MUSH AND A DRAGGED WINGTIP. FACTORS RELATED TO THE ACCIDENT WERE: THE PILOT'S LACK OF EXPERIENCE IN CONVENTIONAL GEAR…
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