Aeronca 7AC N84486

Summary

On 23 February 1997 at about 17:10 local time, a Aeronca 7AC registered N84486, operated by John J. Murphey, was involved in an accident near Rubidoux, California, United States. 2 people were on board and 2 had minor injuries. The aircraft was substantially damaged. The NTSB has published a probable cause for this accident; it is quoted in full below.

Date

23 February 1997 at 17:10

Classification

Accident

Location

Rubidoux, California, United States

Nearest airport

Flabob (RIR)

Coordinates

33.9890, -117.4406

Aircraft

Aeronca 7AC

Registration

N84486

Category

Airplane

Engines

1

Operator

John J. Murphey

Operating rule

Part 91: General Aviation

Purpose of flight

Personal

Phase of flight

Not recorded

Route

Carlsbad → Unknown

Aircraft damage

Substantial

Weather

VMC

Light

Day

NTSB number

LAX97LA106

2 people had minor injuries.

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing gusty crosswind condition, and his failure to maintain runway alignment. The gusty crosswind was a related factor.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record. This site does not paraphrase or interpret it.

Read the full NTSB narrative

On final approach to the airport, the pilot was attempting a crosswind landing. The pilot said the winds changed momentarily and he reduced the crosswind correction, and then was struck by a gust of wind. He applied full rudder, continued to drift downwind, and then he applied power, but hit a boundary chain link fence. Witnesses reported that the aircraft was attempting a crosswind landing, and it appeared that the aircraft was coming in too fast and had full power. The witnesses saw the aircraft bounce, and further said that 'the pilot over corrected in his attempt to regain control of the aircraft.' An off-duty FAA operation's inspector, who was present a few minutes after the accident, reported that the winds were variable from 330 to 020 gusting to 25 knots.

Quoted verbatim from the NTSB record.