Casualties unknown

2001-09-25: Aeronca 7EC (N81910) — Clear Lake, MN

Clear Lake, MN, US

On September 25, 2001, an Aeronca 7EC (registration N81910) was involved in an aviation accident near Clear Lake, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot not maintaining directional control of the airplane during the takeoff. A factor was the soybean crop. 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 aircraft veered left during takeoff on a narrow runway, entered a soybean field, ground looped, and nosed over, resulting in a broken left wing. The pilot reported no mechanical issues.

Incident Summary

During a takeoff attempt on a 25-foot-wide paved runway, an aircraft veered to the left shortly after the tail rose. Despite the pilot applying full right rudder, directional control could not be maintained. The aircraft became airborne to about one foot before entering a soybean field adjacent to runway 36.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot's written report, the takeoff began on the paved runway, which is 25 feet wide. The airplane deviated left soon after the tail came up. The pilot attempted to correct the direction but struck first the right wheel and then the left wheel. Upon the left wheel impact, the aircraft ground looped, during which it flipped over and the left wing was broken. The pilot noted that the ground at the airport is relatively level, and the paved runway is centered within a 3000-foot by 150-foot unimproved runway 18-36. No mechanical malfunctions or failures were cited in the pilot's report.

Investigation

Post-accident examination revealed no anomalies with the airplane that could be associated with a pre-impact condition. The investigation did not identify any specific mechanical cause for the loss of directional control.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20011004X02037. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.