Pilot Debrief

AERONCA 7AC near Clermont, FL — 2022-08-21

Final reportERA22LA382
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Date
2022-08-21
Location
Clermont, FL, USA
Airport
6FL0
Aircraft
AERONCA 7AC
Registration
N44FC
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Landing

Probable cause

The pilot’s inability to maintain directional control while landing due to a worn tailwheel locking mechanism, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that while landing the vintage tailwheel airplane on a turf airstrip, the airplane veered left when the tailwheel touched down. The airplane traveled off the runway and the right wing struck a tree, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. Postaccident examination of the tailwheel revealed that the locking mechanism was worn, which likely resulted in the tailwheel not being appropriately aligned with the rudder position during the landing.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Mechanical failure
First missed decision gate
Pilot could have inspected tailwheel condition before flight.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents5

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