On September 26, 2004, an Aeronca 7BCM (registration N4179E) was involved in an aviation accident near St. James, MO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference of the runway during landing due to bright sunlight, which led to a controlled flight into terrain during the subsequent go-around. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot lost visual reference to the runway due to bright sunlight while landing at a private airstrip and struck trees during an attempted go-around.
What happened
The airplane sustained significant damage after colliding with trees and impacting the ground. The incident occurred during an attempted go-around from runway 27 at a private airstrip.
In a written statement provided to investigators, the pilot explained that while approaching the runway for landing, intense sunlight caused him to lose visual contact with the runway environment. Unable to maintain visual reference, he decided to execute a go-around maneuver. During this climb-out phase, the aircraft struck trees before ultimately impacting the ground.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or system malfunctions with the airplane prior to the incident.
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference of the runway during landing due to bright sunlight, which led to a controlled flight into terrain during the subsequent go-around.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 26 Sept 2004 Aeronca 7BCM accident near St. James, MO?
A pilot lost visual reference to the runway due to bright sunlight while landing at a private airstrip and struck trees during an attempted go-around.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 26 Sept 2004 involved an Aeronca 7BCM, registration N4179E, at St. James, MO.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
The pilot's failure to maintain visual reference of the runway during landing due to bright sunlight, which led to a controlled flight into terrain during the subsequent go-around.
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