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Pilot Describes Runway Excursion Following Landing (N1536E)

New Castle, PA, US

On May 21, 1996, an Aeronca 7EC (registration N1536E) was involved in an aviation accident near New Castle, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground swerve and an encounter with high grass and a ditch off the side of the runway. 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

During a three-point landing rollout, the aircraft veered right despite full left rudder and brake inputs, striking tall grass and a ditch, resulting in damage.

Landing and Initial Rollout

The pilot reported touching down in a three-point configuration. During the rollout, the aircraft began to veer to the right. The pilot applied full left rudder and left brake to counter the yaw, but these control inputs proved insufficient to correct the deviation.

Loss of Directional Control

As the aircraft continued to veer, the right wheel contacted tall grass adjacent to the runway. The additional drag from the grass pulled the aircraft further off the runway surface. The airplane subsequently encountered a ditch, which caused damage to the aircraft.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that there was no mechanical malfunction with the airplane during the event. The wind at the time was described as light and variable. No other factors were identified by the pilot as contributing to the loss of control.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 21 May 1996 Aeronca 7EC accident near New Castle, PA?

During a three-point landing rollout, the aircraft veered right despite full left rudder and brake inputs, striking tall grass and a ditch, resulting in damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 21 May 1996 Aeronca 7EC accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 21 May 1996 involved an Aeronca 7EC, registration N1536E, at New Castle, PA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground swerve and an encounter with high grass and a ditch off the side of the runway.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X05859. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.