AERONCA 7AC near Maryville, TN — 2014-10-04

Probable cause

The pilot/owner's failure to maintain a stabilized approach during the final leg of the traffic pattern. Contributing to the accident was both pilot's lack of aeronautical decision making.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot/owner, he had purchased the airplane a few weeks prior to the accident and the flight was to accomplish training in a conventional landing gear airplane. During the training flight, numerous takeoffs and landings were accomplished at various airports in the area. While on the final leg of the traffic pattern the flight instructor (CFI) commanded a go-around maneuver and the pilot/owner stated that he "had the landing." The CFI again instructed that the go-around maneuver be performed and he advanced the throttle to full power. The pilot/owner applied back pressure and maintained the best rate of climb. According to the CFI, the pilot/owner was informed that the airplane was "high and hot" on final, after repeating that, the throttle was advanced, by the pilot/owner, and a go-around maneuver began. Neither of the pilots remembered advancing the throttle. The airplane impacted the approximate 60-foot tall trees at the departure end of the runway and nosed over, coming to rest inverted at the base of the trees, which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage, wings, and rudder. The intended runway had a 42 foot incline, residence on the left side, and high tension powerlines on the right side. Both pilots reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or abnormalities that would have precluded normal operation.

Analysis

Primary failure mode

Human factors

First missed decision gate

Pilot should have followed CFI's command for go-around earlier.

NTSB coding

• Loss of lift · Approach-VFR go-around
• Go-Around (VFR)

Evidence available

• Photos
• 7 docket documents

Docket documents7

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form
• Memorandum for Record - CFI Telephone Interviewinterview
• Memorandum for Record - Pilot/Owner Telephone Interviewinterview
• Record of Conversation - Witness Interviewinterview
• Bill of Saleother
• Memorandum for Record - TYS Weatherother
• Photo 1 - Wreckage (Photo Courtesy of FAA)photos