Casualties unknown

1996-10-13: Aeronca 11BC (N3818E) — Oil City, LA

Oil City, LA, US

On October 13, 1996, an Aeronca 11BC (registration N3818E) was involved in an aviation accident near Oil City, LA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the failure of the pilots of both aircraft to maintain an adequate visual lookout. Factors were: different traffic pattern altitudes flown by the two pilots, and the sunglare encountered by the pilot of the ultralight. 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

An Aeronca 11BC and an unregistered Flight Star ultralight collided in the traffic pattern at an uncontrolled airstrip. The ultralight pilot reported sun glare before impact.

Aircraft Information

The accident involved an Aeronca 11BC, registered as N3818F, and an unregistered Flight Star ultralight. The ultralight was not equipped with radio capabilities.

Sequence of Events

Both aircraft were flying into the same uncontrolled airstrip. The noncertificated pilot of the ultralight entered a left traffic pattern on the downwind for runway 8 at an altitude of approximately 500 feet. The pilot reported that the late afternoon sun was shining almost directly into his eyes. As he turned from base to final, he impacted the airplane.

The Aeronca pilot had been flying the traffic pattern at an altitude of 1,000 feet. According to the Aeronca pilot, while on final approach at approximately 300 feet, the ultralight aircraft struck the left side of his airplane.

Additional Details

The source does not specify injuries, damage, date, time, location, or environmental conditions beyond the late afternoon sun.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06883. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.