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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

February 28, 2003 · Aeronca 7AC · N84868

Grand Rapids, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 28, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Grand Rapids, MN
Aircraft
Aeronca 7AC
Tail Number
N84868
Operator
Ronald a Powers
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Destroyed
NTSB Number
CHI03LA112

The airplane impacted trees during initial climb from a private grass airstrip. The pilot stated he took off and remained in ground effect. The airplane then stalled into an area of trees located at the departure end of the runway. The runway was 1,500 feet in length and had an upslope in the takeoff direction.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to obtain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall. The short, soft, takeoff area, and the trees were contributing factors.

Full Narrative

On February 28, 2003, at 1400 central standard time, an Aeronca 7AC, N84868, was destroyed when it impacted trees during initial climb from a private grass airstrip near Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Visual meteorological condition prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot was uninjured. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that it was his third time landing on the private airstrip. The landing was made towards the southwest over pine trees about 20 feet in height. The pilot then took off towards the northeast, remained in ground effect, and then stalled into the trees located at the departure end. He also stated that the airplane had become airborne well within the go-no go parameters but failed to climb possibly encountering a tail wind or wind shear. He reported that the winds were calm but later that afternoon they were 170 degrees at 4 knots. The grass airstrip was about 1,500 feet in length with an upslope towards the northeast.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time14:00
Nearest AirportPRIVATE (0nm)
Runway05
Runway Length1500 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAeronca 7AC
Tail NumberN84868
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageDestroyed
OperatorRonald a Powers
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C90 · Reciprocating · 90

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point32 C / 25 C
Altimeter30.65 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data