AERONCA 7AC near Rialto, CA — 2013-01-08

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while taxiing in gusting wind conditions.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while he was taxiing the tailwheel-equipped airplane from the taxiway to the runway to conduct a takeoff in gusting wind conditions, the airplane’s left wing suddenly raised up. Despite pilot control inputs, the wing continued to rise and the airplane subsequently nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the tail and wing lift struts. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

• Nose over/nose down · Taxi-into takeoff position

Evidence available

• 1 docket document

Docket documents1

• Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1form

Related mishaps

• AVID AVID FLYER

  2026-04-09 · Anchorage, AK

• CESSNA A185F

  2022-10-06 · Fairbanks, AK · 1 fatality