Casualties unknown

1996-08-24: Aeronca 7AC (N81543) — Frederick, MD

Frederick, MD, US

On August 24, 1996, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N81543) was involved in an aviation accident near Frederick, MD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed during the initial climb after takeoff, which resulted in a stall and collision with the terrain. 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff from runway 12, an aircraft climbed steeply, experienced turbulence-like upset, rolled, descended, and struck the ground left wing down. A witness reported a stall at low altitude.

Overview

An aircraft experienced a loss of control during takeoff from runway 12, resulting in a collision with the runway surface. The incident was described by the pilot and a witness.

Pilot Report

The pilot stated that he started his departure roll on runway 12 with a normal power setting. He climbed at 55 mph with a steep attitude of about 30 degrees nose up. He reported leveling off at approximately 100 feet above ground with wings level, when what seemed like a 'giant hand'—which he guessed was turbulence, noting there did not appear to be a flight control problem—began to throw the airplane around. Without warning, the airplane rolled left and right to about 45 degrees. According to the pilot, the airplane then descended in a flat attitude as if it was pushed, and it hit the ground slightly left wing down at full throttle.

Witness Report

A witness watching the takeoff reported that the airplane took off in a steep nose-high attitude. At about ten feet above ground, the witness stated that the airplane stalled and fell back onto the runway, striking the left wing and separating the left main landing gear. The witness said the aircraft then slid off the runway to the left.

Outcome

The aircraft sustained damage including a separated left main landing gear and impact to the left wing. No other information regarding occupants or further damage was provided.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06537. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.