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Tailwheel Airplane Strikes Ground During Takeoff After Wing Drop

Warrenton, VA, United States

On May 6, 2018, an AERONCA 7AC NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near Warrenton, VA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During a proficiency check flight, a tailwheel airplane struck the ground shortly after takeoff when the right wing dropped. The instructor reported a belief that the airspeed was too slow, leading to a stall.

Accident Overview

A tailwheel-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage when it struck the ground during takeoff after completing one pattern. The purpose of the flight was to provide a proficiency check for the pilot in the front seat.

Sequence of Events

The pilot, who was on the controls, had landed the airplane after one pattern. During the subsequent takeoff, at about 5 feet above ground level (AGL), the airplane's right wing "went down." The pilot applied left stick input, but the airplane struck the ground.

Instructor's Account

In an interview with the National Transportation Safety Board Investigator-in-charge, the flight instructor reported that he believed the airspeed was too slow during the takeoff climb and that the airplane stalled. Both the pilot and instructor stated there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation.

Environmental Conditions

A METAR from the time of the accident indicated the wind was from 02° at 4 knots. The pilots used runway 15.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing lift struts.

Contributing factors

Angle of attack — Not attained/maintainedAirspeed — Not attained/maintainedPilot
Loss of control in flight

Related events

Same aircraft family

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 6 May 2018 AERONCA 7AC NO SERIES accident near Warrenton, VA?

During a proficiency check flight, a tailwheel airplane struck the ground shortly after takeoff when the right wing dropped. The instructor reported a belief that the airspeed was too slow, leading to a stall.

Were there any fatalities in the 6 May 2018 AERONCA 7AC NO SERIES accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 6 May 2018 involved an AERONCA 7AC NO SERIES, at Warrenton, VA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

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