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.