# NTSB CHI89LA053: Aeronca 7KCAB, N9044L, Pine Creek, WI, March 5, 1989

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: March 5, 1989, 14:30 local (20:30 UTC)
- Place: Pine Creek, WI
- Location: 44.1344° N, 91.5268° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Pine Creek, WI, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=44.1344&lon=-91.5268&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report September 28, 1990
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 14327
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI89LA053
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/14327/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI89LA053

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S SELECTION OF UNSUITABLE TERRAIN WHICH RESULTED IN THE FAILURE TO ACHIEVE A PROPER CLIMB RATE WHICH RESULTED IN THE COLLISION WITH TREES. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE UPHILL, SNOW COVERED TERRAIN.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - terrain condition - uphill (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - snow covered (contributing factor)
  - proper climb rate - not attained, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9044L](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9044L), registered now, S/N 233-70, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERONCA 7KCAB
- Registry model: [Champion 7KCAB](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-7kcab) (registry code 21101P3) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming IO-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-io-320-series) (registry code 41509, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 233-70
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Erickson, David A.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic; Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, April 10, 1988, 102 hours before
- Departed: PINE CREEK, WI
- Destination: PINE CREEK, WI

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 30; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 95 total, 75 in this make and model, 74 as pilot in command, 3 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 340° at 15 knots, gusting 20
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 25 °F

## 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 19890305003159A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19890305003159A), Mar 5, 1989: Bbavia 7KCAB, Pine Creek, WI, Substantial damage. Unable to outclimb rising terrain after takeoff. Struck trees and crashed.

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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