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Pilot lands hard after aborting takeoff to avoid trees (N9261E)

Green Cove Spgs, FL, US

On June 16, 1996, an Aeronca 11-AC (registration N9261E) was involved in an aviation accident near Green Cove Spgs, FL. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's decision to attempt a low-altitude turnaround to avoid terrain, which resulted in an uncontrolled hard landing and collapse of the right main landing gear. 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 2026-06-19Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot aborted takeoff due to insufficient clearance over a tree line, executing a low-altitude turn that resulted in a hard landing and gear collapse.

What happened

The flight began with the pilot taking off from the airport alongside a passenger who expressed interest in purchasing the aircraft. Conditions included a quartering tailwind during the departure phase.

Shortly after becoming airborne, the pilot realized the aircraft would not be able to clear a line of trees located ahead on the flight path. To avoid a collision, the pilot initiated a 180-degree turn back toward the runway. The maneuver was executed at low altitude without a proper round-out. The subsequent landing on the runway was hard, causing the right main landing gear to collapse upon impact.

The investigation

Examination of the aircraft revealed structural damage consistent with a high-energy impact. Specifically, the right main landing gear assembly failed during the touchdown phase. No other mechanical anomalies were cited as contributing factors in the immediate sequence of events.

Probable cause

The pilot's decision to attempt a low-altitude turnaround to avoid terrain, which resulted in an uncontrolled hard landing and collapse of the right main landing gear.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 16 Jun 1996 Aeronca 11-AC accident near Green Cove Spgs, FL?

A pilot aborted takeoff due to insufficient clearance over a tree line, executing a low-altitude turn that resulted in a hard landing and gear collapse.

Were there any fatalities in the 16 Jun 1996 Aeronca 11-AC accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 16 Jun 1996 involved an Aeronca 11-AC, registration N9261E, at Green Cove Spgs, FL.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's decision to attempt a low-altitude turnaround to avoid terrain, which resulted in an uncontrolled hard landing and collapse of the right main landing gear.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06065. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.