Casualties unknown

2004-06-13: Aeronca 11AC (N85970) — Williston, FL

Williston, FL, US

On June 13, 2004, an Aeronca 11AC (registration N85970) was involved in an aviation accident near Williston, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain airspeed (Vso) while maneuvering, which resulted in a stall/mush, an uncontrolled descent, and impact with 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 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

Witnesses observed an airplane conducting touch-and-go landings; after a sharp turn at low altitude, the nose lowered and the aircraft descended out of sight, followed by impact sound. The pilot later reported amnesia.

Witness Accounts

A witness who was feeding horses at the time reported observing an airplane performing touch-and-go landings to an open field. The witness stated that the airplane touched down, took off again, and then executed a sharp turn while still at a low altitude. Subsequently, the nose lowered, and the airplane descended out of sight, followed by the sound of impact. Throughout the flight, the engine sounded normal, according to the witness.

A second witness also observed the airplane touching down and taking off, and saw it in a turn before hearing it impact the ground. Both witnesses provided consistent descriptions of the events leading up to the accident.

Pilot Report

After being hospitalized as a result of injuries sustained in the accident, the pilot provided a report to the NTSB stating that he could not remember anything about the accident.

FAA Examination

Examination of FAA records revealed that the pilot's last medical examination had taken place on February 1, 2000. On August 20, 2004, an FAA inspector examined the accident airplane. No anomalies were found with the airframe, flight controls, or the engine and accessories.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040622X00844. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.