# NTSB DEN86LA152: Aeronca 7AC, N84693, Sisseton, SD, June 5, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 4, 1986, 20:30 local (Jun 5, 1986, 01:30 UTC)
- Place: Sisseton, SD
- Coordinates: 45.660839, -97.0401 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=45.6608&lon=-97.0401&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16973
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN86LA152
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16973/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN86LA152

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, takeoff - initial climb
  - door,inspection - open (cause)
  - operation with known deficiencies in equipment, pilot in command (cause)
  - precautionary landing - initiated, pilot in command
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - stall - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE FRONT SEAT PLT, ON HIS FIRST FLT IN THE ACFT, WAS FLYING THE ACFT. AFTER TAKEOFF THE ACFT ENTERED A NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE BECAUSE THE ELEVATOR TRIM WAS IMPROPERLY SET. THE NOSE HIGH ATTITUDE WAS CORRECTED BUT THE RIGHT DOOR ON THE ENGINE COWLING CAME OPEN DURING THE MANEUVER. THE PLT IN THE REAR COCKPIT TOOK CONTROL OF THE ACFT, REDUCED POWER AND ENTERED A DOWNWIND FOR A CROSS RWY. THE REAR SEAT PLT REPORTED TROUBLE SEEING THE INSTRUMENT PANEL BECAUSE HIS VIEW WAS OBSTRUCTED BY THE FRONT SEAT OCCUPANT. THE PLT FELT THE ACFT WAS SLOW AS IT APPROACHED THE RWY AND HE ADDED PWR; HOWEVER, THE ACFT STALLED AT ABOUT 30 FT AGL, TOO LOW TO RECOVER. INVESTIGATION REVEALED THE RT REAR FASTENER WAS WORN AND BOTH PLTS WERE AWARE OF THE CONDITION PRIOR TO TAKEOFF.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N84693](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N84693), registered now, S/N 7AC-3404, 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: 3404
- Airframe hours: 1434
- Engines: CONTINENTAL 65 65 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James Forrette, Sr.
- Registered owner: Martin L. Beving
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, August 2, 1985, 6 hours before
- Airport: 8D3, Sisseton Muni, runway 4, 2,300 × 150 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: rear; flight hours: 432 total, 4 in this make and model, 399 as pilot in command, 23 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 40° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °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 19860604021429A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860604021429A), Jun 4, 1986: Bbavia 7AC, Sisseton, SD, Destroyed. Engine cowl came loose after takeoff. During precautionary landing, pilot allowed aircraft to stall short of field.

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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