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Unbriefed Pilot Encounters Gusty Crosswind, Stalls Airplane After Runway Excursion (N2908E)

Portland, TN, US

On April 16, 1996, an Aeronca 7BCM (registration N2908E) was involved in an aviation accident near Portland, TN. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot did not obtain a weather briefing before the flight. 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 pilot who did not obtain a weather briefing experienced multiple bounces on landing in gusty crosswinds. During the landing roll, a gust re-lifted the airplane, which drifted off the runway. Facing obstructions, the pilot intentionally stalled into a field, resulting in substantial damage.

Incident Overview

The pilot of a general aviation airplane did not obtain a weather briefing before the flight. The airplane touched down with a wind 10 degrees behind the right wing at 17 knots, gusting to 26 knots.

Landing and Excursion

After touchdown, the airplane bounced three times. During the landing roll at near taxiing speed, a gust of wind occurred, causing the airplane to become airborne and drift off the left side of the runway.

Avoidance Maneuver

The pilot then applied power, but with obstructions ahead, he elected to stall the airplane into a field. The maneuver resulted in substantial damage to the airplane.

Contributing Factors

The pilot's decision to not obtain a weather briefing is noted in the report. The gusty crosswind conditions likely challenged the landing and rollout.

Probable cause

The pilot did not obtain a weather briefing before the flight.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Apr 1996 Aeronca 7BCM accident near Portland, TN?

A pilot who did not obtain a weather briefing experienced multiple bounces on landing in gusty crosswinds. During the landing roll, a gust re-lifted the airplane, which drifted off the runway. Facing obstructions, the pilot intentionally stalled into a field, resulting in substantial damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Apr 1996 Aeronca 7BCM accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Apr 1996 involved an Aeronca 7BCM, registration N2908E, at Portland, TN.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot did not obtain a weather briefing before the flight.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05636. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.