Accident Details
An Aeronca 7AC aircraft was involved in an accident during a flight in which the pilot had been giving airplane rides. The pilot reported flying around mountain ridges and performing swooping maneuvers over a cornfield throughout the day. On the accident flight, the airplane struck trees.
Pilot Statement
The pilot stated that the aircraft experienced no mechanical problems and was running fine. He said, "I guess I just wasn't paying attention and hit the trees." When asked about the circumstances, the pilot elaborated: "I just messed up and didn't realize how close I was to the trees. I was looking at the cornfield, you know, lining up with it and just didn't see the trees. I had flown that same route all day and guess I just got sloppy." The pilot's remarks indicate that he was focused on the cornfield and did not notice his proximity to the trees.