On June 15, 2001, an Aeronca 7DC (registration N82562) was involved in an aviation accident near Fulton, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane, which resulted in an inadvertent stall/spin to the ground. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a third sightseeing flight from a residence, a pilot initiated a left turn that steepened until the wings were nearly vertical, and the aircraft descended nose-down behind a tree line, resulting in impact damage consistent with a left rotation.
Flight Details
A pilot at his residence conducted sightseeing flights for guests. After completing two trips without incident, he began a third flight. Following takeoff and approximately one mile from the runway, the pilot initiated a left turn.
Accident Sequence
The angle of bank increased progressively until the wings became nearly vertical. Subsequently, the nose dropped below the horizon. The aircraft then disappeared from view behind a tree line, descending nose-down and continuing its left turn.
Post-Accident Examination
Impact damage on the leading edges of both wings was consistent with a left rotation at the time of impact. Fuel was present in the carburetor. The metal leading edges of both wooden propeller blades were bent rearward. No evidence of a pre-existing mechanical failure or malfunction was found. The pilot occupied the rear seat; all flight and engine instruments were located in front of the front seat occupant only.