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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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September 24, 2003 · Aeronca BL-7-AC · N83608

Pell City, AL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 24, 2003
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Pell City, AL
Aircraft
Aeronca BL-7-AC
Tail Number
N83608
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ATL03LA146

According to the pilot, the purpose of the flight was to practice flight maneuvers. While practicing a slip maneuver, the pilot states that the airplane's left wing and nose dropped abruptly to nearly vertical. The airplane stalled and collided with the ground in a three-point attitude. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane. Post-accident examination of airplane failed to disclose any mechanical problems. Examination of the airplane revealed that the spar of the right wing was bent, and the engine firewall was buckled.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilots failure to maintain airspeed that resulted in the loss of control and the subsequent collision with the ground.

Full Narrative

On September 24, 2003, at 1831 central daylight time, an Aeronca BL-7-AC, N83608, registered to and operated by a private pilot, collided with the ground at a sod farm southwest of Pell City, Alabama. The personal flight was operated under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and no flight plan was filed. The private pilot received serious injuries and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The flight departed Pell City Saint Clair County Airport, Pell City, Alabama, on September 24, 2003, at 1730. According to the pilot, the purpose of the flight was to practice flight maneuvers. While practicing a slip maneuver, the pilot states that the airplane's left wing and nose dropped abruptly to nearly vertical. The pilot then attempted to make corrections to establish normal flight attitude. The airplane stalled and collided with the ground in a three-point attitude. The pilot reported no mechanical problems with the airplane. The initial examination of the accident site showed the airplane collided with the ground 3 miles southwest of the Pell City Saint Clair Airport. Post-accident examination of airplane failed to disclose any mechanical problems. Examination of the airplane revealed that the spar of the right wing was bent, and the engine firewall was buckled.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:31 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAeronca BL-7-AC
Tail NumberN83608
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · 7 AC Champ · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind130° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point55
Altimeter30.03 inHg
Observation Time23:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data