On July 28, 1996, an Aeronca 11AC (registration N3905E) was involved in an aviation accident near Wedowee, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to obtain a preflight weather briefing and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll following a precautionary landing due to adverse weather encountered during the flight. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot used outdated weather radar before departing, encountered adverse weather, and attempted a precautionary landing on a road. During the landing roll in a crosswind, the airplane veered into a ditch and hit a fence.
Flight Details
The pilot did not obtain a formal weather briefing before departure. Instead, he observed a computer screen displaying weather radar data that was two hours old at the time of the flight. The flight departed and subsequently encountered adverse weather conditions en route.
Precautionary Landing
Unable to locate an airport, the pilot elected to perform a precautionary landing on a road. During the landing roll, a crosswind from the left affected the aircraft.
Accident Sequence
The airplane veered off the left side of the road into a ditch, then collided with a fence and came to rest. There were three adults in the two-place airplane at the time of the accident.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 28 Jul 1996 Aeronca 11AC accident near Wedowee, AL?
A pilot used outdated weather radar before departing, encountered adverse weather, and attempted a precautionary landing on a road. During the landing roll in a crosswind, the airplane veered into a ditch and hit a fence.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 28 Jul 1996 involved an Aeronca 11AC, registration N3905E, at Wedowee, AL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The failure of the pilot to obtain a preflight weather briefing and his failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll following a precautionary landing due to adverse weather encountered during the flight.
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