On November 29, 1999, an Aeronca 11AC (registration N3933E) was involved in an aviation accident near Sedona, AZ. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: A gust of wind causing a ground loop immediately after touchdown, resulting in the aircraft departing the runway and striking an electrical box. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A light airplane departed the runway and struck an electrical box following a ground loop induced by a wind gust immediately after touchdown during a normal approach.
What happened
The pilot reported conducting a routine approach to runway 3, having received Automated Surface Observing System (ASOS) weather data from the airport indicating winds from 070 degrees at 5 knots. The pilot described the approach as normal and noted that the landing was smooth. Immediately after touchdown, a gust of wind caused the airplane to begin ground looping. The aircraft rotated 90 degrees to the left, departed the runway, and struck an electrical box with the right wing.
The investigation
The pilot stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.
Probable cause
A gust of wind causing a ground loop immediately after touchdown, resulting in the aircraft departing the runway and striking an electrical box.