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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

September 22, 1995 · Aeronca 7EC · N4666E

Hudson, WI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 22, 1995
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Hudson, WI
Aircraft
Aeronca 7EC
Tail Number
N4666E
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI95LA329

THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS PERFORMING THE TAKEOFF PHASE OF A TOUCH-AND-GO ON A 1200-FT GRASS AIRSTRIP. HE REPORTED THAT WHEN HE APPLIED FULL POWER TO TAKE OFF, THE ENGINE 'STUMBLED' BUT THEN BEGAN TO DEVELOP WHAT HE THOUGHT WAS FULL POWER. AS A PRECAUTIONARY MEASURE, THE PILOT DECIDED TO ABORT THE TAKEOFF. HE APPLIED THE BRAKES, BUT WAS HAVING DIFFICULTY STOPPING THE AIRPLANE DUE TO THE AIRSPEED AND THE DOWNSLOPING TERRAIN OF THE AIRSTRIP. THE PILOT STATED THAT HE WAS AFRAID OF THE POSSIBILITY THAT THE AIRPLANE MIGHT CROSS A DITCH AND ENTER A HIGHWAY, SO HE DECIDED TO IMPACT A ROW OF TREES TO ARREST THE AIRPLANE. POSTACCIDENT EXAMINATION OF THE ENGINE REVEALED NO MECHANICAL ANOMALIES. THE ENGINE WAS SUCCESSFULLY STARTED AND RUN UP TO 1200 RPM WITHOUT INCIDENT. THE PILOT'S RECOMMENDATION AS TO HOW THE ACCIDENT COULD HAVE BEEN PREVENTED WAS: 'NO TOUCH AND GO ON A SHORT FIELD.'

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's improper decision to attempt a touch-and-go on a short airstrip.

Full Narrative

On September 22, 1995, at 1645 central daylight time, a Aeronca 7EC, N4666E, piloted by the owner/operator, was substantially damaged following a loss of engine power and subsequent collision with trees during an aborted takeoff on a private airstrip in Hudson, Wisconsin. The airplane experienced the loss of power during the takeoff phase of a touch and go landing. The pilot reported no injuries. The local 14 CFR Part 91 pleasure flight operated in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. In a detailed written statement, the pilot reported that he was performing the takeoff phase of a touch and go landing on runway 27 (1200' x 130'). The pilot stated, "Upon application of full power the engine stumbled, then finally caught developing apparently full power." As a precautionary measure, the pilot elected to abort the takeoff because he was concerned with the engine's dependability to continue with the takeoff and climb over a powerline which is located at the western end of the strip. At approximately 700 feet down the runway, the pilot applied the brakes to abort the takeoff. The pilot stated that he was having difficulty stopping the airplane due to the airspeed and the downsloping terrain of the airstrip. He stated that he was afraid of the possibility that the airplane might cross a ditch and enter a highway, so he made a conscience decision to impact a row of small trees to arrest the airplane. The airplane impacted trees and came to rest. Postaccident examination of the engine revealed no mechanical anomalies. The engine was successfully started and run up to 1200 RPM without incident. The pilot stated, "Until the runway is extended east (which is planned) no touch and go landing should be attempted on this strip especially to the west because of the highway and a powerline. Takeoffs to the east have total free exit with no obstacles of any kind." The pilot's recommendation as to how the accident could have been prevented was: "No touch and go on a short field."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:45 CDT
Nearest AirportPRIVATE (0nm)
Runway27
Runway Length1200 ft
Runway Width130 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAeronca 7EC
Tail NumberN4666E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-90-12F · Reciprocating · 90
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 65 · Second Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 8 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point46 / 0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data