What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-04-16 involved an Aeronca 7BCM, registration N2908E, at Portland, TN.

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

On April 16, 1996, an Aeronca 7BCM (registration N2908E) was involved in an aviation accident near Portland, TN. 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.

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.

1996-04-16: Aeronca 7BCM (N2908E) — Portland, TN