Pilot Debrief

AERONCA 7AC near Fairmont, WV — 2009-06-14

Final reportERA09LA348
Sign in to save
Date
2009-06-14
Location
Fairmont, WV, USA
Airport
4G7
Aircraft
AERONCA 7AC
Registration
N7544E
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Phase of flight
Takeoff roll

Probable cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate use of the checklist.

NTSB narrative

The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll, the airplane "instantly" rolled on a 45-degree angle to the left and crashed into a ravine on the side of the runway. Examination of the airframe, flight control system, and engine components revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. During further examination, it was noted that the elevator trim was in the full nose-up position. When asked about this finding, the pilot stated that he had forgotten the trim in this position before and almost lost control during takeoff, but was able to continue flying the airplane. The airplane's "BEFORE TAKEOFF" checklist instructs the pilot to set pitch trim.

Analysis

Primary failure mode
Loss of control
First missed decision gate
Pilot failed to set elevator trim before takeoff as per checklist.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents6

Related mishaps