# NTSB ATL91LA159: Aeronca 7AC, N84692, Newton, GA, August 15, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 15, 1991, 11:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Newton, GA
- Location: 31.3168° N, 84.3395° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Newton, GA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.3168&lon=-84.3395&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report April 23, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 8457
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ATL91LA159
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/8457/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ATL91LA159

## Probable cause

THE FAILURE OF THE PILOT-IN-COMMAND TO MAINTAIN AN ADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT FOR OBSTACLES.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - wire,transmission
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PASSENGER REPORTED THAT DURING A PLEASURE FLIGHT THE AIRPLANE STRUCK A POWER LINE.  THE PILOT CONCURRED & INFERRED THAT THERE WAS A FLIGHT CONTROL MALFUNCTION.  EXAMINATION OF THE WRECKAGE BY AN FAA AIRWORHTINESS INSPECTOR REVEALED THAT THE FLIGHT CONTROL SYSTEM WAS INTACT & OPERABLE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N84692](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N84692), registered now, S/N 7AC-3401, built 1946 (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: 7AC-3401
- Airframe hours: 7026
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Etchells, Richard B.
- Registered owner: Etchells, Richard B.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 6, 1990

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, expired; seat: rear; flight hours: 780 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 5 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 1,400 ft broken
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ABY, 15 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 19910815034369A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910815034369A), Aug 15, 1991: Bbavia 7AC, Newton, GA, Substantial damage. Struck powerline and crashed during approach to Private strip.

## Other investigations on N84692 (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 CEN24LA044](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN24LA044), Nov 22, 2023: Aeronca 7AC (N84692), DeWitt, AR, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot’s loss of airplane directional control while landing.

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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