# NTSB CEN09CA050: Aeronca 7CCM, N2259E, Chadron, NE, November 2, 2008

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: November 2, 2008, 12:00 local (17:00 UTC)
- Place: Chadron, NE
- Coordinates: 42.837501, -103.095275 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.8375&lon=-103.0953&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Defining event: [Takeoff: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report January 22, 2009
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Central Region
- Parties: FAA FSDO
- NTSB case key (mKey): 69402
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CEN09CA050
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/69402/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CEN09CA050

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain direction control of the airplane. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's lack of experience.

## Findings

NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause.

- [Performance/control parameters: directional control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Aeronca 7CCM, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md?model=2110110), [All aircraft, 3,958 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062020/cases.md)
- [Experience/qualifications](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031000): Personnel issues › Experience/knowledge · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Aeronca 7CCM, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031000/cases.md?model=2110110), [All aircraft, 18 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02031000/cases.md)
- [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Aeronca 7CCM, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=2110110), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md)

## Sequence of events

The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened.

- [Takeoff: Loss of control in flight](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240) (defining event); cases with it: [Aeronca 7CCM, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md?model=2110110), [All aircraft, 5,002 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/240/sequence.md)
- [Takeoff: Abnormal runway contact](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090); cases with it: [Aeronca 7CCM, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md?model=2110110), [All aircraft, 1,506 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/090/sequence.md)
- [Takeoff: Runway excursion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300); cases with it: [Aeronca 7CCM, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md?model=2110110), [All aircraft, 3,643 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/300/sequence.md)

## Analysis

The non-certificated pilot reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector that he was interested in purchasing the single-engine tailwheel-equipped airplane. The pilot added that during the take-off, approximately 40-50 feet into the air, the engine lost power. The pilot also stated that he tried to turn back to the runway but was unable. The airplane's tail hit the ground first, followed by the main wheels. An examination of the airplane and engine by the FAA failed to identify any preimpact abnormalities. A check of the runway and accident site revealed tire skid marks (on the runway) pointing to the crash site. The marks continued onto the grass, with the tracks corresponding to the landing gear of Aeronca. At one point along the path, the ground had four deep cuts, with the first two cuts measuring about 12-inches deep. The ground scars were consistent with a rotating propeller, being driven. A review of the pilot's certificate revealed that he was issued a student pilot certificate in April 1990 and did not have any flight instructor endorsements. The pilot did not submit a NTSB form 6120.1, Pilot/Operator Accident/Incident Report, as requested.

## Factual narrative

The non-certificated pilot reported to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector that he was interested in purchasing the single-engine tailwheel equipped airplane. The pilot added that during the take-off, and approximately 40-50 feet into the air, the engine lost power. The pilot also stated that he tried to turn back to the runway, but was unable. The airplane's tail hit the ground first followed by the main wheels. An examination of the airplane and engine by the FAA, failed to identify any pre-impact abnormalities. A check of the runway and accident site, revealed tire skid marks (on the runway) pointing to the crash site. The marks continued onto the grass, with the tracks corresponding to the landing gear of Aeronca. At one point along the path, the ground had four deep cuts, with the first two cuts measuring about 12-inches deep. The ground scars were consistent with a rotating propeller, being driven. A review of the pilot's certificate revealed that he was issued a student pilot certificate in April 1990, and did not have any flight instructor endorsements. The pilot did not submit a NTSB form 6120.1, Pilot/Operator Accident/Incident Report, as requested.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2259E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2259E-2026-06-02), registration cancelled 2026-06-02, S/N 7AC-5833 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERONCA 7CCM
- Registry model: [Aeronca 7CCM](https://openairdocs.org/model/aeronca-7ccm) (registry code 2110110) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7AC-5833
- Engines: CONT MOTOR C85 SERIES 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, October 15, 2007
- Departed: KCDR, Chadron, NE
- Destination: KCDR, Chadron, NE
- Flight plan: Unknown
- Airport: KCDR, Chadron Municipal Airport, runway 02, 6,001 × 100 ft, concrete

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; injuries: none; flight hours: 65 total, 20 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Not reported

## 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 20081102850549A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20081102850549A), Nov 2, 2008: Aeronc 7CCM, Chadron, NE, Substantial damage. (-23) The non-certified pilot in command was departing runway 2 with a quartering tailwind out of the south. The pilot lost directional control of the aircraft…

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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