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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

October 4, 2010 · Aeronca 11AC · N85888

Taylorsville, KY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 4, 2010
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Taylorsville, KY
Aircraft
Aeronca 11AC
Tail Number
N85888
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA11CA007

According to the pilot, he was on the final leg in the traffic pattern intending to land. As the airplane approached the runway, he observed it begin to pass over the unmarked power lines in the area. He affixed his focus back to the runway and the windshield shattered as it collided with another smaller, unmarked power line located 30 feet above the power lines that the pilot had in sight. After the airplane began a steep descent, the pilot was able to partially recover the attitude prior to impacting the ground at a 45-degree angle. During the accident sequence, the forward section of the fuselage, the firewall, and both wings incurred substantial damage. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Descent/approach/glide path-Not attained/maintained - C

Full Narrative

According to the pilot, he was on the final leg in the traffic pattern intending to land on runway 14, a 1,500-foot runway. As he approached the runway, he noted to himself that he had “the [unmarked] power lines made,” approximately 25 feet below the airplane, and glanced back towards the runway. Then, the windshield shattered as the airplane struck another smaller, unmarked power line located 30 feet above the power lines that the pilot had in sight. After the airplane began a steep descent, the pilot was able to partially recover the attitude prior to impacting the ground at a 45-degree angle. During the accident sequence, the forward section of the fuselage, the firewall, and both wings incurred substantial damage. The pilot did not report any mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The winds reported at an airport 18 miles to the northwest of the accident location were calm.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:10 CDT
Nearest AirportMason Valley Airport (0nm)
Runway14
Runway Length1500 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAeronca 11AC
Tail NumberN85888
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · A&C65 SERIES · Reciprocating · 65
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 45 C
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time12:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data