AERONCA 7AC
Blairs, VA — June 9, 2012
Event Information
| Date | June 9, 2012 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA12CA402 |
| Event ID | 20120619X85512 |
| Location | Blairs, VA |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 36.73667, -79.36250 |
| Airport | Private Airstrip |
| 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 | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a takeoff into sun glare.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that he was attempting a westerly takeoff on a 2,500-foot-long, 75-foot-wide, turf runway. During the takeoff, immediately after the airplane became airborne, the pilot was blinded by the setting sun. The airplane drifted right and impacted parked airplanes off the right side of the runway. The pilot added that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions with his airplane. Examination of the pilot's airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector revealed substantial damage to the left wing. The wind was reported as calm at a nearby airport, about the time of the accident.
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.