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Pilot Lands in Wheat Field, Then Nose-Overs During Second Takeoff (N1480E)

Limon, CO, US

On July 5, 2004, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N1480E) operated by Michael C. Brown was involved in an aviation accident near Limon, CO. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation. A contributing factor was the soft terrain in the takeoff area. 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

A pilot landed in a wheat field after failing to climb over terrain and losing altitude in a turn. The airplane sustained no damage. The pilot then attempted a solo takeoff, but the airplane contacted soft dirt and nosed over.

Incident Overview

The pilot of a single-engine airplane encountered difficulty shortly after takeoff. The airplane was unable to climb sufficiently to avoid rising terrain and lost altitude during a turn. The pilot determined that he could not return to the departure airport and elected to land in a wheat field. The landing was successful and the airplane sustained no damage.

First Landing

After the landing in the wheat field, the pilot decided to take off again. This time, however, the passenger remained on the ground. The pilot assessed a suitable path for takeoff and employed a soft-field takeoff procedure.

Second Takeoff and Accident

During the takeoff roll, the airplane contacted soft dirt. The contact caused the airplane to nose over onto its back. No further details about injuries or damage beyond the nosed-over state are available from the source.

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Jul 2004 Aeronca 7AC accident near Limon, CO?

A pilot landed in a wheat field after failing to climb over terrain and losing altitude in a turn. The airplane sustained no damage. The pilot then attempted a solo takeoff, but the airplane contacted soft dirt and nosed over.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jul 2004 Aeronca 7AC accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Jul 2004 involved an Aeronca 7AC, registration N1480E, operated by Michael C. Brown, at Limon, CO.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

the pilot's inadequate preflight planning/preparation. A contributing factor was the soft terrain in the takeoff area.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040810X01181. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.