Pilot Debrief

AERONCA 7AC near Delphi, IN — 2011-03-04

Final reportCEN11LA219
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Date
2011-03-04
Location
Delphi, IN, USA
Airport
1I9
Aircraft
AERONCA 7AC
Registration
N82429
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control, resulting in a runway excursion, and the subsequent separation of the left main landing gear for undetermined reasons.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that he was conducting tailwheel proficiency work at the time of the accident. The proficiency maneuver involved adding engine power and increasing taxi speed until the tailwheel lifted off of the runway. At that point, engine power was reduced and the airplane slowed to a normal taxi speed. He stated that prior to the accident, he increased engine power for the maneuver. When the tailwheel rose off the runway, he reduced engine power and began to slow the airplane. A gust of wind caused the airplane to yaw to the right and depart the runway pavement. At that point, the pilot elected to add full engine power in an attempt to take off from the grass area adjacent to the runway. However, the left main landing gear separated from the airframe and he decided to reduce the engine power to idle. The pilot was unable to maintain control when the airplane encountered a muddy area. The left wing and fuselage were damaged. He did not report any failures or malfunctions with the airplane prior to the event.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have aborted takeoff after the initial yaw to the right.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • 3 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents3

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