# NTSB ANC87LA104: Aeronca 15AC, N1023H, Charley River, AK, July 22, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 22, 1987, 13:45 local (21:45 UTC)
- Place: Charley River, AK
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 9, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4877
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC87LA104
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4877/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA104

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, takeoff - roll/run

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THAT DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL HE STRUCK A HIDDEN TREE STUMP; HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT CAUSING THE PLANE TO NOSE OVER.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1023H](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N1023H-2012-08-10), registration cancelled 2012-08-10, S/N 15AC-25, built 1948 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERONCA 15AC
- Registry model: [Aeronca 15AC](https://openairdocs.org/model/aeronca-15ac) (registry code 0191202) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C145 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c145-series) (registry code 17012, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 15AC23
- Airframe hours: 2479
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-145 145 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Arthur D. Hirschel
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Unknown, April 1, 1987, 45 hours before

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 133 total, 48 in this make and model, 45 as pilot in command, 47 in the last 90 days, 20 in the last 30 days, 7 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 6,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 50 °F, dew point 30 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19870722040019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870722040019A), Jul 22, 1987: Aronca 15AC, Charley River, AK, Substantial damage. The pilot had directional control problems and aborted the takeoff from the gravel bar. Aircraft hit tree stump.

## Other investigations on N1023H (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB ANC98LA081](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC98LA081), Jun 12, 1998: Aeronca 15AC (N1023H), Homer, AK, substantial damage. Probable cause: The loss of engine power due to fuel starvation, and an improper fuel selector valve. Factors in the accident were turbulent wind conditions, the improper replacement of the fuel selector valve by an…

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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