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August 26, 2024 · Aeronca 65-TAC · N39565

Clearwater, FL

Overview

Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 26, 2024
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Clearwater, FL
Aircraft
Aeronca 65-TAC (1944)
Tail Number
N39565
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
ERA24LA363

The pilot reported that after completing a pre-takeoff check of the tailwheel-equipped airplane he taxied onto the runway for takeoff. Upon entering the runway and aligning the airplane to the centerline, the pilot increased the engine power to full for takeoff. Shortly after the airplane began to roll, it started to veer to the left. The pilot applied right rudder, but the airplane continued to veer to the left. The airplane then departed the left side of the runway onto the adjacent grass and struck an airport perimeter fence, resulting in substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane’s flight controls that would have precluded normal operation. Additionally, following the accident, a Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane and found no evidence of any anomalies with the airplane’s aerodynamic flight controls and trim. The inspector also found that a wooden knob that had been attached to the forward seat’s throttle control was lying on the floor of the airplane, but not obstructing the movement of any of the flight controls. The pilot stated that the knob, which did not appear to be an original component to the airplane, had come off just before the airplane had departed the runway surface. He further stated that this precluded him from reducing engine power and stopping the airplane before it struck the airport perimeter fence.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the outcome, was the pilot’s inability to control the engine following the loss of directional control due to the separation of a knob from the engine’s throttle control.

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that after completing a pre-takeoff check of the tailwheel-equipped airplane he taxied onto the runway for takeoff. Upon entering the runway and aligning the airplane to the centerline, the pilot increased the engine power to full for takeoff. Shortly after the airplane began to roll, it started to veer to the left. The pilot applied right rudder, but the airplane continued to veer to the left. The airplane then departed the left side of the runway onto the adjacent grass and struck an airport perimeter fence, resulting in substantial damage to both wings. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane’s flight controls that would have precluded normal operation. Additionally, following the accident, a Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane and found no evidence of any anomalies with the airplane’s aerodynamic flight controls and trim. The inspector also found that a wooden knob that had been attached to the forward seat’s throttle control was lying on the floor of the airplane, but not obstructing the movement of any of the flight controls. The pilot stated that the knob, which did not appear to be an original component to the airplane, had come off just before the airplane had departed the runway surface. He further stated that this precluded him from reducing engine power and stopping the airplane before it struck the airport perimeter fence.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:15 EDT
Nearest AirportClearwater Air Park (0.2nm)
Runway16
Runway Length4108 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAeronca 65-TAC
Tail NumberN39565
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental Motors · A-65-8 · Reciprocating · 85
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 58 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind90° @ 4 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time07:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data