On July 29, 2003, an Aeronca 11AC (registration N86233) was involved in an aviation accident near Brighton, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's directional control not possible resulting from the rudder control assembly separation during the landing. A factor was the construction vehicle that the airplane impacted. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A tailwheel airplane sustained substantial damage after exiting the right side of the runway and impacting a construction vehicle during landing. The pilot reported no change in direction despite full left rudder input. Examination revealed a separated left rudder cable forward attach point, rendering the left rudder cable inoperative.
Accident Overview
A tailwheel airplane was landing when it exited the right side of the runway and struck a construction vehicle, resulting in substantial damage to the aircraft. The accident occurred under calm wind conditions.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported that even with full left rudder input, there was no change in the airplane's path as it turned to the right. This lack of directional control during the landing roll led to the runway excursion and subsequent collision with the construction vehicle.
Examination Findings
Post-accident examination of the airplane revealed that the left hand rudder cable forward attach point had separated from the torque tube. This separation rendered the left hand rudder cable inoperative, which explains the pilot's inability to steer the aircraft to the left despite applying full left rudder.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 29 Jul 2003 Aeronca 11AC accident near Brighton, MI?
A tailwheel airplane sustained substantial damage after exiting the right side of the runway and impacting a construction vehicle during landing. The pilot reported no change in direction despite full left rudder input. Examination revealed a separated left rudder cable forward attach point, rendering the left rudder…
Were there any fatalities in the 29 Jul 2003 Aeronca 11AC accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 29 Jul 2003 involved an Aeronca 11AC, registration N86233, at Brighton, MI.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's directional control not possible resulting from the rudder control assembly separation during the landing. A factor was the construction vehicle that the airplane impacted.
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