AERONCA 7AC
Vinton, IA — May 28, 2018
Event Information
| Date | May 28, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA18CA317 |
| Event ID | 20180604X03447 |
| Location | Vinton, IA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 42.21861, -92.02583 |
| Airport | VINTON VETERANS MEMORIAL ARPK |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | AERONCA |
| Model | 7AC |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in gusting tailwind conditions.
Full Narrative
After overflying the airport to determine the wind direction, the pilot reported that, she landed in variable crosswind conditions, during touchdown "at or near stall speed", the tailwheel-equipped airplane encountered a gust of wind. She added, the airplane veered left and she attempted to correct with immediate application of right rudder and right brake. Subsequently, the airplane exited the left side of the runway into the grass and the right wingtip struck the ground. She added that she was able to taxi the airplane to park.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right wing spar, and right wing lift strut.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system located at the accident airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 140° at 11 knots, gusting to 18 knots. The pilot landed on runway 34.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.