Pilot Debrief

AERONCA 7AC near Manassas, VA — 2011-10-22

Final reportERA12CA019
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Date
2011-10-22
Location
Manassas, VA, USA
Airport
VG57
Aircraft
AERONCA 7AC
Registration
N4300E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Approach

Probable cause

The pilot did not maintain adequate airspeed while turning to the downwind leg, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall and spin.

NTSB narrative

According to the pilot, while approaching the destination airport, he entered the traffic pattern by crossing the runway about 850 feet above ground level (agl). He performed a "wing over," then turned back over the runway and began a turn to the left downwind leg of the traffic pattern. During the turn, the rudder "stuck," and the airplane entered a left spiraling descent. The pilot added full power, pushed the control stick forward, and attempted to apply right rudder. He attempted to dislodge the rudder by reaching for the passenger rudder pedal underneath and behind his seat but was unsuccessful. About 100 feet agl, the airplane exited from the spiral and continued to descend into the ground, where it came to rest inverted, sustaining substantial damage to the wings and fuselage. According to a witness, the airplane was about 400 feet agl when it entered a hard left turn and then a spin. After 1.5 revolutions, the airplane exited the spin and began to pull out of the resulting dive before it impacted the ground. Examination of the wreckage verified full freedom of movement of the rudder and rudder pedals. There was no evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies with the airplane.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have avoided the steep left turn that led to loss of control.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 7 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents7

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