Casualties unknown

2005-04-18: Aeronca 7AC (N4264E) — Lakeland, FL

Lakeland, FL, US

On April 18, 2005, an Aeronca 7AC (registration N4264E) was involved in an aviation accident near Lakeland, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's improper recovery from a bounced landing, and his failure to maintain directional control during landing resulting in the airplane departing the runway and colliding with a ditch. 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

During landing, an airplane veered left, left wing lowered. Pilot added power to correct, but it ran into a ditch and became briefly airborne before impacting nose-down.

Event Details

During the landing roll, the airplane veered to the left and the left wing began to lower toward the runway. The pilot responded by adding power to increase rudder effectiveness in an attempt to straighten the airplane's path. The airplane did straighten out but subsequently ran into a ditch. According to the pilot, no mechanical failures or malfunctions occurred in the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.

Witness Statement

A witness reported observing the airplane land with a small bounce. Both wheels were on the ground when it appeared that the wind lifted the left wing. The airplane then descended sideways and spun in a circle. It traveled into a ditch, emerged on the other side becoming briefly airborne, and then impacted the grass in a nose-down attitude before spinning around.

No further details were provided regarding the aircraft's registration, operator, location, date, or any injuries.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050510X00581. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.