Pilot Debrief

AERONCA 7AC near Clearwater, FL — 2012-03-20

Final reportERA12CA245
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Date
2012-03-20
Location
Clearwater, FL, USA
Airport
CLW
Aircraft
AERONCA 7AC
Registration
N82406
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control during takeoff and the flight instructor's inadequate supervision, which resulted in a runway excursion.

NTSB narrative

The commercial pilot said that he was receiving flight instruction in the tailwheel-equipped airplane and that as he lifted the tailwheel off runway for takeoff, the airplane encountered a wind gust and veered to the left. The pilot said that he had "little to no" control of the airplane. The flight instructor then assumed control of the airplane; however, the airplane departed the left side of the runway and struck a fence. The airplane's main landing gear separated and the airframe was substantially damaged. Both pilots reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot receiving instruction reported 1,530 hours of total flight experience, which included 2 hours in the same make and model as the accident airplane.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents4

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