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Casualties unknown

Airplane Impacts Terrain Short of Runway During Landing Approach (N85258)

Neenah, WI, US

On May 11, 2002, an Aeronca 7FC (registration N85258) was involved in an aviation accident near Neenah, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot not maintaining control of the airplane during the landing approach, and his failure to maintain clearance from terrain. 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 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

An airplane was damaged after impacting terrain about 200 feet short of the runway during a landing approach. The pilot reported no memory of the final moments before impact. A postaccident examination found no preexisting anomalies.

Accident Description

During a landing approach, the airplane sustained damage when it struck terrain approximately 200 feet short of the designated runway. The pilot stated that the aircraft impacted the ground about 10 yards before a row of trees. He further reported that he did not remember anything between being on final approach and being extracted from the airplane.

Examination Findings

A postaccident examination of the airplane was conducted. The examination revealed no anomalies that could be determined to have existed prior to the impact.

Pilot Report

In his account, the pilot described the approach and the subsequent impact, but noted a gap in his recollection from the final approach segment until after the accident. No further details regarding the pilot's actions or the surrounding circumstances were provided in the investigation materials.

Controlled flight into terrain

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 11 May 2002 Aeronca 7FC accident near Neenah, WI?

An airplane was damaged after impacting terrain about 200 feet short of the runway during a landing approach. The pilot reported no memory of the final moments before impact. A postaccident examination found no preexisting anomalies.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 11 May 2002 involved an Aeronca 7FC, registration N85258, at Neenah, WI.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot not maintaining control of the airplane during the landing approach, and his failure to maintain clearance from terrain.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20020517X00697. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.