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NTSB Report
September 11, 1987 · Aeronca Champ 7AC · N85022
Victorville, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 11, 1987
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Location
Victorville, CA
Aircraft
Aeronca Champ 7AC
Tail Number
N85022
Operator
Midfield Aviation
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX87LA333
WHILE CLIMBING OUT OVER A RIDGE, THE INSTRUCTOR, WHO WAS SITTING IN BACK, HEARD HIS STUDENT YELL SOMETHING. THE INSTRUCTOR LOOKED OUT THE FRONT WINDSCREEN JUST IN TIME TO SEE POWERLINES. SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE STUDENT PUSHED THE STICK FORWARD TO GO UNDER THE POWER LINES AND THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. THIS INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR. THE STUDENT CANNOT REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED. THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS REPORTED. WINDS WERE REPORTED TO BE FROM 250 AT 5 KNOTS AT THE TIME AND THE INSTRUCTOR SAID THAT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT WEATHER WAS NOT A PROBLEM. HOWEVER, AS THEY WERE CLIMBING OUT OVER THE RIDGE, THE INSTRUCTOR THOUGHT HE FELT THE AIRCRAFT SINKING FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON.
Full Narrative
WHILE CLIMBING OUT OVER A RIDGE, THE INSTRUCTOR, WHO WAS SITTING IN BACK, HEARD HIS STUDENT YELL SOMETHING. THE INSTRUCTOR LOOKED OUT THE FRONT WINDSCREEN JUST IN TIME TO SEE POWERLINES. SIMULTANEOUSLY, THE STUDENT PUSHED THE STICK FORWARD TO GO UNDER THE POWER LINES AND THE AIRCRAFT COLLIDED WITH THE TERRAIN. THIS INFORMATION WAS PROVIDED BY THE INSTRUCTOR. THE STUDENT CANNOT REMEMBER WHAT HAPPENED. THERE WERE NO MECHANICAL PROBLEMS REPORTED. WINDS WERE REPORTED TO BE FROM 250 AT 5 KNOTS AT THE TIME AND THE INSTRUCTOR SAID THAT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT WEATHER WAS NOT A PROBLEM. HOWEVER, AS THEY WERE CLIMBING OUT OVER THE RIDGE, THE INSTRUCTOR THOUGHT HE FELT THE AIRCRAFT SINKING FOR AN UNKNOWN REASON.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time15:35 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftAeronca Champ 7AC
Tail NumberN85022
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMidfield Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C-90-12 · Reciprocating · 90
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary2 injuries (2 minor injuries)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor2
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 31 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 5 kt
Visibility20 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point37 C
Altimeter0
Observation Time21:55
Weather SourceWFAC