# NTSB CHI94LA158: Aeronca 11AC, N9462E, Montello, WI, May 15, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: May 15, 1994, 17:30 local (22:30 UTC)
- Place: Montello, WI
- Coordinates: 43.789028, -89.330116 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.7890&lon=-89.3301&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report January 25, 1995
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9527
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI94LA158
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9527/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI94LA158

## Probable cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions.  A factor related to the accident was the crosswind.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - object - fence
  - compensation for wind conditions - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE PILOT USED RUNWAY 27 TO TAKE OFF FROM THE PRIVATE AIRSTRIP.  THE LOCAL AREA WIND WAS 320 AT 20 KNOTS.  THE PILOT STATED THE WIND BLEW HIM TO THE LEFT OF THE RUNWAY AFTER THE AIRPLANE BECAME AIRBORNE.  THE TAILWHEEL CAUGHT ON A BARBED WIRE FENCE, AND THE AIRPLANE CARTWHEELED TO THE GROUND.

## Factual narrative

On May 15, 1994, about 1730 central daylight time, an Aeronca 11AC, N9462E, sustained substantial damage when it struck a fence and crashed during takeoff from a private airstrip near Montello, Wisconsin.  The private pilot, who was the sole occupant of the airplane, received minor injuries.  No flight plan was filed for the personal flight, and visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time.

The pilot stated he departed the airstrip using runway 27.  After becoming airborne he said the wind pushed him to the left side of the runway, and the tail wheel caught a barbed wire fence.  After hitting the fence the airplane struck the ground and cartwheeled.  The reported wind in the area was from 320 degrees at 20 knots.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9462E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9462E-2013-05-23), registration cancelled 2013-05-23, S/N 11AC-1100, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERONCA 11AC
- Registry model: [Aeronca 11AC](https://openairdocs.org/model/aeronca-11ac) (registry code 0191102) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental A&C65 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-a-c65-series) (registry code 17003, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 11AC-1100
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A65 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Allan C. Turner
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, May 25, 1993, 11 hours before
- Destination: Y50, WAUTOMA, WI
- Airport: NONE, Private, runway 27, 1,200 × 150 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 70; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: left; flight hours: 554 total, 160 in this make and model, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 320° at 20 knots
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 46 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: OSH, 38 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 19940515010929A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940515010929A), May 15, 1994: Bbavia 11AC, Montello, WI, Substantial damage. During takeoff from Private strip wind blew aircraft left of runway. Tail wheel caught fence. Cartwheeled.

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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