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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

June 14, 2009 · Aeronca 7AC · N7544E

Fairmont, WV

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 14, 2009
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 serious injury)
Location
Fairmont, WV
Aircraft
Aeronca 7AC
Tail Number
N7544E
Operator
Cowgill Richard D
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA09LA348

The pilot stated that during the takeoff roll, the airplane "instantly" rolled on a 45-degree angle to the left and crashed into a ravine on the side of the runway. Examination of the airframe, flight control system, and engine components revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. During further examination, it was noted that the elevator trim was in the full nose-up position. When asked about this finding, the pilot stated that he had forgotten the trim in this position before and almost lost control during takeoff, but was able to continue flying the airplane. The airplane's "BEFORE TAKEOFF" checklist instructs the pilot to set pitch trim.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain control of the airplane during takeoff. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's inadequate use of the checklist.

Full Narrative

On June 14, 2009, about 1600 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca 7AC, N7544E, lost control and collided with a ditch at Fairmont Municipal Airport, Fairmont, West Virginia. The certificated sport pilot sustained serious injuries and the airplane was substantially damaged by impact forces. The flight was operated as a personal flight under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations (CFR) Part 91, and no flight plan was filed. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated that he did a "pre-takeoff and departure check" and taxied to runway 22. He said that he added full power and the airplane began a takeoff roll straight down the runway. When he rotated the airplane, the airplane "did not feel normal as when the airplane usually "pops" off the ground." The pilot further stated that the airplane "instantly" rolled on a 45-degree angle to the left and continued to roll left. He attempted to recover the airplane but was unable to regain control. He then reduced power and the airplane impacted a ravine on the side of the runway. The airplane came to rest in a ravine, on the left side of runway 22. Examination of the airframe and flight control system components by a Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. Examination of the engine and system components also revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunction. During further inspection, the elevator trim was found to be in the full up position. The FAA inspector asked the pilot about this finding, and the pilot told him that he had forgotten the trim in this position before, and almost lost control during takeoff, but was able to continue flying the airplane. Review of a "BEFORE TAKEOFF" checklist for the airplane revealed, "...Pitch Trim – SET..." The recorded weather at an airport located approximately 16 miles northeast of the accident site, about the time of the accident, included calm winds.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time16:00 EDT
Nearest AirportFairmont Municipal Airport (1nm)
Runway22
Runway Length2859 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAeronca 7AC
Tail NumberN7544E
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorCowgill Richard D
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · A&C65 SERIES · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 serious injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 64 · Sprt · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52
Altimeter30.01 inHg
Observation Time19:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data