What happened
On August 5, 2025, at approximately 1600 Alaska daylight time, an Aeronca 7AC, registration N84726, was involved in an accident at the Willow Airport (UUO) in Willow, Alaska. The aircraft was being operated under Part 91 as a personal flight by a student pilot.
The aircraft was found in a near-vertical, nosed-down attitude on a northwest heading. The wreckage was located approximately 75 feet east of the runway 13 centerline and about 1,000 feet down the runway. The wings remained partially attached to the fuselage, and the tail section was slightly bent to the left.
A pilot flying over the airport discovered the scene and landed to assist the student pilot and notify first responders. The student pilot sustained serious injuries.
The investigation
An initial post-accident examination of the airframe and engine showed no evidence of mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have prevented normal operation. Investigators noted that control cable continuity for the ailerons, flaps, and rudder remained intact to the fuselage, and fuel was present in the fuel lines and the nose tank.