What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 1996-07-26 involved an Aeronca 11AC, registration N9232E, at Alexandria, NJ.

Tailwheel Airplane Veers Off Runway During Second Takeoff Attempt (N9232E)

On July 26, 1996, an Aeronca 11AC (registration N9232E) was involved in an aviation accident near Alexandria, NJ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the commercial pilot to ensure that directional control was maintained during takeoff, which led to a ground swerve and collision with a fence. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A tailwheel airplane veered left and hit a fence during a takeoff attempt after a previous aborted takeoff due to a disconnected spring. Postaccident examination found a bent rudder cable attachment. Neither pilot had current tailwheel passenger-carrying currency.

First Takeoff Attempt

A private pilot was being instructed in flying a tailwheel-equipped airplane by a commercial pilot seated in the right seat. The commercial pilot did not hold a flight instructor certificate. During the initial takeoff roll, the airplane veered to the left. After stopping, one of the tailwheel centering springs was found disconnected. The spring was reconnected.

Second Takeoff Attempt

The pilots swapped seats, taxied back to the runway, and attempted another takeoff. During the takeoff roll, the airplane again veered left, departed the runway, and struck a fence.

Postaccident Examination

A postaccident inspection of the airplane revealed that the attachment point for the right rudder cable was bent forward, causing slack in the cable.

Pilot Qualifications

Neither pilot was current to carry a passenger in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. Additionally, the commercial pilot did not possess a current FAA medical certificate or a current biennial flight review.

1996-07-26: Aeronca 11AC (N9232E) — Alexandria, NJ