# NTSB BFO95LA018: Aeronca 7AC, N83073, Sabinsville, PA, December 4, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Serious injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: December 4, 1994, 15:20 local (20:20 UTC)
- Place: Sabinsville, PA
- Coordinates: 41.829006, -77.609169 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=41.8290&lon=-77.6092&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Enroute](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/400) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Serious injuries
- Injuries: 1 serious, 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report May 16, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9021
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=BFO95LA018
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9021/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/BFO95LA018

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT DURING CRUISE FLIGHT WHICH RESULTED IN INFLIGHT COLLISION WITH WIRES.

## Sequence of events

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

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

## Analysis

THE PILOT REPORTED THAT HE WAS ON A CROSS COUNTRY FLIGHT TO OBSERVE A FARM FROM THE AIR WHEN HE FAILED TO SEE THE POWER LINES.  THE AIRPLANE STRUCK THE WIRES BEFORE COLLIDING WITH THE TERRAIN.  THE PILOT STATED THAT THERE WAS NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.

## Factual narrative

On December 4, 1994, at 1520 eastern standard time, N83073, an Aeronca 7AC, struck wires and then collided with terrain while maneuvering at Sabinsville, Pennsylvania.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and a flight plan was not filed.  The certificated commercial pilot was seriously injured, and the passenger received minor injuries.  The airplane was destroyed.  The personal flight was conducted under 14 CFR 91 and originated in Knoxville, Pennsylvania.  The destination was Sabinsville, Pennsylvania.

The pilot reported that they were on a cross country flight to observe a farm from the air.  He stated that he did not see the power lines.  The aircraft struck the wires and collided with the terrain.  The pilot reported that there was no mechanical malfunction.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N83073](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N83073-2017-06-21), registration cancelled 2017-06-21, S/N 7AC-1731, 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-1731
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Grant G Gehman
- Registered owner: Grant Gehman
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: 6PS3, KNOXVILLE, PA
- Destination: PA

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 41; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 2, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 660 total, 400 in this make and model, 10 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 61 °F, dew point 34 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: IPT

## 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 19941204047159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19941204047159A), Dec 4, 1994: Bbavia 7AC, Sabinsville, PA, Destroyed. Flying low to observe a farm. Struck unseen power line and crashed.

## Other investigations on N83073 (2)

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 NYC82FGT07](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC82FGT07), Dec 31, 1981: Aeronca 7AC (N83073), Wellsboro, PA, substantial damage
- [NTSB NYC82DA013](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC82DA013), Dec 31, 1981: Aeronca 7AC (N83073), Wellsboro, PA, substantial damage

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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