On December 22, 1997, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N83589) operated by Mid Florida Air Service was involved in an aviation accident near Eustis, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground swerve and subsequent collision with a parked airplane. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot on his second solo tailwheel flight experienced a collision with a runway light during rollout, leading to gear collapse and a secondary strike on a parked aircraft.
Incident Summary
A tailwheel airplane sustained damage during a crosswind landing when it struck a runway light and subsequently collided with a parked aircraft. The pilot, who was on his second solo flight in a tailwheel airplane, reported a 45-degree crosswind from the right at 8 knots.
Sequence of Events
According to the pilot, while rolling out after landing, the airplane hit a runway light located on the right side of the runway. The impact caused the right landing gear to collapse. The airplane then veered off the runway to the right and struck another airplane that was parked on the ramp.
Post-Inspection Findings
An FAA inspector examined the aircraft after the incident. The inspector stated that the landing gear strut failed during the collision with the parked airplane.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 22 Dec 1997 Aeronca 7AC accident near Eustis, FL?
A pilot on his second solo tailwheel flight experienced a collision with a runway light during rollout, leading to gear collapse and a secondary strike on a parked aircraft.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 22 Dec 1997 involved an Aeronca 7AC, registration N83589, operated by Mid Florida Air Service, at Eustis, FL.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll, which resulted in a ground swerve and subsequent collision with a parked airplane. Related factors were: the pilot's lack of experience in tailwheel aircraft, the crosswind, and the proximity of the parked airplane.
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