# NTSB ATL83FKJ05: Aeronca 7BCM L-16A, N2557B, Gadsden, AL, July 9, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: July 9, 1983, 14:36 local (19:36 UTC)
- Place: Gadsden, AL
- Coordinates: 34.080223, -85.990859 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.0802&lon=-85.9909&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 5973
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL83FKJ05
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/5973/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL83FKJ05

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
  - flight control system - jammed (cause)
  - aircraft handling - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment - not corrected, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE ACFT COLLIDED WITH THE GROUND IN A 70 DEGREE DIVE WHILE TAKING PART IN AN AIR SHOW AS A SPOTTER PLANE. THE ACFT HAD DROPPED ONE SMOKE GRENDADE AND WAS ORBITING TO DROP ANOTHER WHEN IT TURNED LEFT AND PITCHED DOWN. ACCORDING TO AN INSPECTION GUIDE FOR THIS ACFT, BOOTS ARE REQUIRED AROUND THE FRONT AND REAR CONTROL STICKS AT THE CABIN FLOOR. WITNESSES STATED THAT BOOTS WERE NEVER INSTALLED IN THIS ACFT. ANOTHER WITNESS SAID HE HELPED THE ACFT OWNER REMOVE BAGGAGE, TOOLS AND SUPPLIES FROM THE ACFT BEFORE THE ACCIDENT. ONE BAG OF TOOLS WAS LEFT UNDER THE FRONT SEAT. AFTER THE ACCIDENT TOOLS AND A METAL BOX CONTAINING A 1/4 INCH DRIVE SOCKET SET WERE FOUND AROUND THE FRONT CONTROL STICK YOKE. THE PILOTS BODY WAS IN THE FRONT SEAT WITH BOTH HANDS ON THE CONTROL STICK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2557B](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2557B-2012-08-21), registration cancelled 2012-08-21, S/N 7BCM-501 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERONCA 7BCM L-16A
- Registry model: [Aeronca 7BCM](https://openairdocs.org/model/aeronca-7bcm) (registry code 2110106) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: MIL 47-1273
- Engines: Teledyne Cont C-85-8 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Other work use, Part 91
- Registered owner: Henry R. Claxton
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, March 2, 1983
- Airport: GAD, Gadsden

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: center; toxicology performed; flight hours: 1,501 total, 144 in this make and model, 18 in the last 90 days, 3 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 8 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 90 °F, dew point 64 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: GAD, 1 nm away

## 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 19830709029729A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830709029729A), Jul 9, 1983: Bbavia 7BCM, Gadsden, AL, Destroyed. Indications that tool bag jammed stick control and aircraft crashed uncontrolled into ground.

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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