What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 2002-05-12 involved an Aeronca 7-EC, registration N4712E, at Flying M Ranch, OR.

Pilot Applies Brakes Prematurely After Landing, Aircraft Drifts Into Parked Plane (N4712E)

On May 12, 2002, an Aeronca 7-EC (registration N4712E) was involved in an aviation accident near Flying M Ranch, OR. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while applying the brakes during the landing roll. Factors include a tailwind and trees at the far end of the airstrip. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

A pilot landed at Flying M Airstrip, applied brakes early due to concern over approaching treeline, causing the aircraft to drift off the runway and strike a parked aircraft's propeller.

Incident Overview

While flying past the Flying M Airstrip en route to another airport, a pilot decided to land there. He circled the airport twice to check traffic and winds, then entered a left-hand traffic pattern. Rolling out on final with a slight tailwind, he touched down approximately where intended on the 2,130-foot strip.

Events After Touchdown

Almost immediately after touching down, the pilot began applying the brakes because the tree line at the far end appeared closer than he had expected. As he attempted to bring the aircraft to a stop, it drifted off the right side of the landing surface, and its wing impacted the propeller of a parked aircraft.

Pilot's Account

The pilot later stated that if he had continued a normal rollout and applied the brakes after the aircraft had a chance to slow, he believed he would have had no problem stopping within the required distance.

Damage

The aircraft's wing struck the propeller of a parked aircraft. No other damage was reported.

2002-05-12: Aeronca 7-EC (N4712E) — Flying M Ranch, OR