# NTSB FTW99LA236: Aeronca 7DC, N4526E, Helena, AR, August 24, 1999

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 23, 1999, 19:00 local (Aug 24, 1999, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Helena, AR
- Coordinates: 34.51958, -90.60028 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=34.5196&lon=-90.6003&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 22, 2000
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 47139
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW99LA236
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/47139/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW99LA236

## Probable cause

The student pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a tree.  A factor associated with the accident was the pilot's low altitude.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s)
  - altitude - low, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)

## Analysis

The student pilot reported he was flying at a low altitude over his house and a nearby field. During a turn, the airplane struck a tree.  In his written report to the NTSB, the pilot reported his 'altitude was too low.'

## Factual narrative

On August 23, 1999, approximately 1900 central daylight time, an Aeronca 7DC airplane, N4526E, was substantially damaged when it impacted a tree while maneuvering near a private airstrip near Helena, Arkansas.  The student pilot, sole occupant of the airplane, received minor injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.  The airplane was registered to Buron Griffin Farms, Inc., of Helena, Arkansas, and operated by the student pilot.  The local flight originated from the private airstrip approximately 1830.

In the enclosed Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), the student pilot reported flying over his house and a rice field heading east.  He then made a turn to the west and impacted a "large tree."  He added that his "altitude was too low."

The FAA inspector who examined the airplane stated that the wings and the empennage were structurally damaged.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4526E](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4526E), registered now, S/N 7DC-134, built 1948 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Aeronca 7DC
- Registry model: [Aeronca 7DC](https://openairdocs.org/model/aeronca-7dc) (registry code 2110116) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7DC-134
- Engines: Continental C-85-8 85 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Tracy O. Griffin
- Registered owner: Buron Griffin Farms, Inc.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: NONE

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 17; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 25 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 60° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 66 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg
- Observed at: MEM, 42 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 19990823044989A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19990823044989A), Aug 23, 1999: Bbavia 7DC, Helena, AK, No damage. (-23) Student pilot was manuevering for landing. Direction of flight was into sun. Student pilot struck tree that he didn't see.

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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