Accident Overview
On June 14, 2009, about 1600 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca 7AC, registration N7544E, lost control and collided with a ditch at Fairmont Municipal Airport, Fairmont, West Virginia. The certificated sport pilot sustained serious injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged. The flight was operated as a personal flight under 14 CFR Part 91 with no flight plan filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight was originating at the time of the accident.
Pilot's Account
The pilot stated that he performed a "pre-takeoff and departure check" and taxied to runway 22. He added full power, and the airplane began a takeoff roll straight down the runway. Upon rotation, the airplane "did not feel normal as when the airplane usually 'pops' off the ground." The pilot further stated that the airplane "instantly" rolled to a 45-degree angle to the left and continued to roll. He attempted to recover but was unable to regain control. He then reduced power, and the airplane impacted a ravine on the side of the runway.
Investigation Findings
The airplane came to rest in a ravine on the left side of runway 22. Examination of the airframe and flight control system components by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. Examination of the engine and system components also revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. The elevator trim was found in the full up position. When asked about this finding, the pilot told the inspector that he had forgotten the trim in that position before and almost lost control during takeoff, but was able to continue flying the airplane. Review of a "BEFORE TAKEOFF" checklist for the airplane included the item: "Pitch Trim – SET." The recorded weather at an airport located approximately 16 miles northeast of the accident site, about the time of the accident, included calm winds.