# NTSB ATL87LA220: Aeronca 7AC, N443WB, Columbus, OH, July 21, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: July 21, 1987, 17:40 local (21:40 UTC)
- Place: Columbus, OH
- Coordinates: 39.889984, -82.960556 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=39.8900&lon=-82.9606&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor, 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report October 7, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 7490
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL87LA220
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/7490/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL87LA220

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, landing - roll
  - maintenance,modification - improper, unknown (cause)
  - landing gear,steering system - fractured (cause)
- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - throttle/power control - excessive, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - aircraft parked/standing

## Analysis

THE PLT EXPERIENCED A LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL ON LDG AS THE TAILWHEEL TOUCHED DOWN, AND HE EXECUTED A GO-AROUND. ON THE 2ND LDG ATTEMPT, THE AIRPLANE VEERED OFF THE RWY, TRAVELED ACROSS A GRASSY AREA, AND IMPACTED A PARKED C-172. POST-CRASH EXAM OF THE AIRPLANE REVEALED THAT THE TAILWHEEL STEERING YOKE HAD BROKEN; THE YOKE HAD FRACTURED ACROSS ONE OF TWO RETAINING-BOLT HOLES IN THE YOKE SHAFT. OVERSIZED BOLTS WERE FOUND INSTALLED IN THE HOLES. THE AIRPLANE WAS ESTIMATED TO HAVE TRAVELED APPROX 800 FEET AFTER TOUCHDOWN PRIOR TO IMPACTING THE PARKED AIRPLANE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N443WB](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N443WB), registered now, S/N 7AC-367, built 1945 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERONCA 7AC
- Registry model: [Aeronca 7AC](https://openairdocs.org/model/aeronca-7ac) (registry code 2110102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7AC367
- Airframe hours: 2255
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C65 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: 443 Flying Club
- Registered owner: 443 Flying Club
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, November 20, 1986
- Airport: 4I2, South Columbus, runway 36, 5,150 × 100 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 3,300 total, 430 in this make and model, 3,000 as pilot in command, 7 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 40° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 93 °F, dew point 70 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: CMH, 7 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 19870721040049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870721040049A), Jul 21, 1987: Bbavia 7AC, Columbus, OH, Substantial damage. Lost control landing in light crosswind. Veered off runway into a parked aircraft. Tail wheel steering yoke failed.

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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