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NTSB Report
April 25, 1989 · Aeronca 7AC · N85243
Marseilles, IL
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 25, 1989
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury), 2 uninjured
Location
Marseilles, IL
Aircraft
Aeronca 7AC
Tail Number
N85243
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI89DEE02
THE ACFT TOOK OFF TO THE WEST UPHILL FROM A 2000 FOOT SOD RUNWAY. IT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED AFTER THE TAIL WHEEL SNAGGED POWER LINES DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB. THE ACFT LOST AIRSPEED AND DESCENDED OUT OF CONTROL INTO AN EMPTY FIELD. THE PLT REPORTED THE WIND AS CALM; HOWEVER, A FRONTAL SYSTEM WAS APPROACHING THE AREA. THE TERRAIN ROSE BEYOND THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RWY. THE POWER LINES, APRX 50 FT HIGH, RAN NORTH & SOUTH 450 FT WEST OF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RWY. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT THE ACFT LANDED HARD IN A LEVEL ATTITUDE.
NTSB Probable Cause
PIC'S OVERCONFIDENCE IN THE ACCIDENT AIRCRAFT'S CLIMB PERFORMANCE AS HE ATTEMPTED TO TAKE OFF UP HILL AND OVER WIRES.
Full Narrative
THE ACFT TOOK OFF TO THE WEST UPHILL FROM A 2000 FOOT SOD RUNWAY. IT WAS SUBSTANTIALLY DAMAGED AFTER THE TAIL WHEEL SNAGGED POWER LINES DURING THE INITIAL CLIMB. THE ACFT LOST AIRSPEED AND DESCENDED OUT OF CONTROL INTO AN EMPTY FIELD. THE PLT REPORTED THE WIND AS CALM; HOWEVER, A FRONTAL SYSTEM WAS APPROACHING THE AREA. THE TERRAIN ROSE BEYOND THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RWY. THE POWER LINES, APRX 50 FT HIGH, RAN NORTH & SOUTH 450 FT WEST OF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE RWY. POST ACCIDENT INVESTIGATION SHOWED THAT THE ACFT LANDED HARD IN A LEVEL ATTITUDE.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:00 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm W
Runway27
Runway Length2000 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAeronca 7AC
Tail NumberN85243
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · A-75-8 · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury), 2 uninjured
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured2
Total3
Crew 1Age 43 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 9 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:50
Weather SourceWFAC