On September 9, 2001, an Aeronca 11AC (registration N4070E) was involved in an aviation accident near Punta Gorda, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper flare which resulted in a hard landing and subsequent collapse of the landing gear.. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a touch-and-go landing on runway 15, an airplane lurched left and skidded off the side. The left main landing gear separated, and the left wing tip was bent. No mechanical malfunction was identified.
Overview
The pilot was performing touch-and-go landings on runway 15 at an airport. The fifth landing appeared normal until touchdown, when the airplane "suddenly lurched over" to the left and skidded off the left side of the runway.
Damage Findings
Post-accident examination revealed that the left main landing gear had separated from the airplane. The left wing tip was bent, and the propeller and stringers in the lower fuselage sustained damage. Additionally, the pilot's seat pan was found collapsed.
Examination Results
A thorough inspection of the airplane failed to disclose a mechanical malfunction or component failure that could have caused the event.