No fatalities

17 Aug 2009: AERONCA 7AC — Finleyville, PA

Finleyville, PA, United States

On 17 Aug 2009, an AERONCA 7AC was involved in an aviation accident near Finleyville, PA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot practicing takeoffs and landings in a tailwheel airplane reported a normal landing before the aircraft departed the runway and struck a hangar, resulting in substantial damage. No preimpact mechanical malfunctions were found.

Accident Overview

A pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings in a tailwheel-equipped airplane on a 2,505-foot-long, 50-foot-wide asphalt runway. The pilot reported performing a "normal" landing at a speed of approximately 60 miles per hour (mph). However, the airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway at a ground speed of 35 to 40 mph.

Impact and Damage

The airplane struck a hangar located approximately 200 feet from the runway, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe.

Examination Findings

A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane and found no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The inspector also noted that there were no skid marks or evidence of braking from the runway to the point of impact at the hangar.

Weather Conditions

Calm winds were reported at an airport located 8 nautical miles northeast of the accident airport.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot