Casualties unknown

1995-09-22: Aeronca 7EC (N4666E) — Hudson, WI

Hudson, WI, US

On September 22, 1995, an Aeronca 7EC (registration N4666E) was involved in an aviation accident near Hudson, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's improper decision to attempt a touch-and-go on a short airstrip. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot aborting a touch-and-go on a 1200-ft grass airstrip failed to stop due to airspeed and downsloping terrain, then intentionally struck trees to avoid a ditch and highway. Postaccident engine inspection found no anomalies.

Incident Summary

The pilot of an airplane was conducting a touch-and-go landing on a 1,200-foot grass airstrip. During the takeoff phase, he applied full power, at which point the engine stumbled but then appeared to develop what the pilot believed was full power. As a precaution, he decided to abort the takeoff. He applied the brakes but had difficulty stopping the airplane because of the airspeed and the downsloping terrain of the airstrip.

Pilot's Decision to Impact Trees

Fearing that the airplane might cross a ditch and enter a highway, the pilot chose to deliberately impact a row of trees to arrest the airplane's motion.

Postaccident Engine Examination

A postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical anomalies. The engine was successfully started and run up to 1,200 revolutions per minute without any issues.

Pilot's Recommendation

The pilot offered the following recommendation for preventing a similar occurrence: "No touch and go on a short field."

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001207X04465. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.