Casualties unknown

2002-11-24: Aeronca 7AC (N4264E) — Merritt Island, FL

Merritt Island, FL, US

On November 24, 2002, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N4264E) was involved in an aviation accident near Merritt Island, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed during an approach to land that resulted in an inflight collision with the runway. A factor was the crosswind condition. 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

A pilot reported a stall about 30 feet above the runway during landing after experiencing turbulence. The airplane sustained structural damage, including broken landing gear supports, and came to rest 400 feet down the runway.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that while over water in the traffic pattern for landing, they felt turbulence. The pilot continued the approach and established a final approach airspeed of 70 miles per hour. Subsequently, the airspeed increased to 80 miles per hour, but the pilot decided that sufficient runway was available for landing.

Stall and Touchdown

As the airplane flew over the approach end of the runway, the pilot reported that the airplane stalled about 30 feet above the runway surface. Despite corrective actions taken by the pilot, when the airplane touched down on the first third of runway 11, the airframe broke at the landing gear supports. The airplane came to rest approximately 400 feet down the runway from the touchdown point.

Damage Examination

Examination of the airplane revealed structural damage to the airframe, including the wing assemblies and a partial collapse of the main landing gear.

Weather Conditions

The current weather report at the time of the accident indicated winds from 030 degrees at 10 knots. No other airplane in the traffic pattern at approximately the same time reported difficulties with the wind conditions.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20021126X05526. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.