# NTSB FTW85LA243: Aeronca 7AC, N3708E, Edna, TX, June 1, 1985

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 1, 1985, 15:00 local (20:00 UTC)
- Place: Edna, TX
- Coordinates: 28.970252, -96.64067 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=28.9703&lon=-96.6407&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 21766
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW85LA243
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/21766/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW85LA243

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING A CROSSWIND TAKEOFF FROM A RANCH ROAD. THE ACFT VEERED OFF THE RIGHT (NORTH) SIDE OF THE ROAD WHERE IT CONTACTED A DITCH IN A RICE FIELD.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N3708E](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N3708E), registered now, S/N 7AC-7009, built 1947 (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-7009
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235-L2C 112 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Joe David Sanders
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: 100 hour, April 19, 1985, 12 hours before
- Destination: EDNA, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 46; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 401 total, 48 in this make and model, 341 as pilot in command, 19 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 190° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 86 °F, dew point 73 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: PSX, 30 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 19850601021909A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19850601021909A), Jun 1, 1985: Bbavia 7AC, Edna, TX, Substantial damage. Lost directional control during crosswind takeoff from a road. Struck a dirt bank. Bfr expired.

## Other investigations on N3708E (1)

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 FTW04LA124](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW04LA124), May 8, 2004: Aeronca 7AC (N3708E), Fort Stockton, TX, substantial damage. Probable cause: The pilot's improper leaning of the fuel/air mixture in-flight, which resulted in a loss of engine power. Factor were the wind gusts and the crosswind.

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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