On February 2, 1995, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N83981) was involved in an aviation accident near Big Bear City, CA. 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.