On March 31, 1995, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N85094) was involved in an aviation accident near Brush Prairie, WA. One person was killed. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: UNDETERMINED. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After a rental flight and brief break, a pilot took off again, departed the pattern, and was observed in a near-vertical dive. No mechanical issues were found. Pathologist report indicated the pilot was conscious at impact.
Accident Details
The pilot had returned from a 45-minute rental flight at approximately 1545. After using the bathroom, the pilot took the aircraft out again, indicating plans to stay in the traffic pattern and return by the 1600 deadline, before the next renter's scheduled departure. The aircraft then departed the pattern and was observed to enter a steep, near 90-degree nose-down attitude not far from the departure airport.
Investigation Findings
No airframe or powerplant malfunction was found during the investigation.
Pathologist Report
The pathologist reported that the patterns of injury were 'consistent with the deceased being conscious at the time of the crash' and 'inconsistent with an individual being incapacitated.'
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 31 Mar 1995 Aeronca 7AC accident near Brush Prairie, WA?
After a rental flight and brief break, a pilot took off again, departed the pattern, and was observed in a near-vertical dive. No mechanical issues were found. Pathologist report indicated the pilot was conscious at impact.
Were there any fatalities in the 31 Mar 1995 Aeronca 7AC accident?
The accident was fatal, resulting in 1 fatality.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 31 Mar 1995 involved an Aeronca 7AC, registration N85094, at Brush Prairie, WA.
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