On June 23, 1996, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N81966) was involved in an aviation accident near Vancouver, WA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate control of the aircraft during takeoff, resulting in a loss of directional control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot reported that the aircraft deviated from the runway centerline during the initial takeoff roll, resulting in a ground impact with the right wing immediately after becoming airborne.
What happened
During the initial takeoff roll, the airplane deviated slightly to the side of the runway. Immediately after the aircraft became airborne, the right wing struck the ground. The pilot reported having only two hours of flight time in the Aeronca 7AC prior to the accident.
The investigation
The FAA inspector reviewed the incident with the pilot. The pilot confirmed that the airplane 'got a little sideways' during the takeoff roll and that the right wing slammed into the ground immediately after becoming airborne.
Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate control of the aircraft during takeoff, resulting in a loss of directional control.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 23 Jun 1996 Aeronca 7AC accident near Vancouver, WA?
The pilot reported that the aircraft deviated from the runway centerline during the initial takeoff roll, resulting in a ground impact with the right wing immediately after becoming airborne.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 23 Jun 1996 involved an Aeronca 7AC, registration N81966, at Vancouver, WA.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's inadequate control of the aircraft during takeoff, resulting in a loss of directional control.
A SkyWalk Join't 3 paraglider crashed into the ground near Las Vizcachas, Chile, on September 1, 2024. The pilot and passenger sustained serious spinal…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2024-09-01DGAC Chile
A Cessna 172N struck electrical cables while on final approach to land at Aucó Aerodrome in Chile. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained damage…
A Bombardier DHC-8-402 suffered a tail strike during landing at Puerto Williams on September 9, 2024. All 76 occupants were unharmed, but the aircraft…
A MYD JS-MD 3 glider veered off the runway and struck a wall at Vitacura Aerodrome on January 6, 2025. The pilot was uninjured, but the aircraft sustained…
A recreational paraglider flight in Puchuncaví, Chile, ended with the pilot sustaining serious injuries after a rapid descent and impact with a hillside on…
PARAPENTE (ULTRALIVIANO NO MOTORIZADO)·2025-03-29DGAC Chile
A Tecnam P2006T landed on its belly at an aerodrome in Poland after the crew failed to confirm landing gear deployment. The incident resulted in no injuries…