# NTSB MIA96LA158: Aeronca 11-AC, N9261E, Green Cove Spgs, FL, June 16, 1996 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: June 16, 1996, 16:00 local (20:00 UTC) - Place: Green Cove Spgs, FL - Coordinates: 29.980907, -81.669212 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.9809&lon=-81.6692&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: Minor injuries - Injuries: 2 minor - Status: Completed, report December 20, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 38031 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MIA96LA158 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/38031/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA96LA158 ## Probable cause The pilot's improper planning/decision by failing to ensure that the airplane would be able to clear obstructions at the end of the runway, while taking off with a tailwind component; and his failure (or inability) to flare the airplane after turning back to land on the runway. The tailwind and high obstructions were related factors. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - Hard landing, landing - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor) - planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause) - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor) - maneuver to avoid obstructions - performed, pilot in command - precautionary landing - performed, pilot in command - flare - not attained, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis The pilot took off in a quartering tailwind with a passenger, who was interested in purchasing the airplane. After the airplane became airborne, the pilot determined the airplane would not clear a tree line, ahead. He made a 180 degree turn, did not round out, and landed hard on the runway. During the landing, the right main landing gear collapsed. ## Factual narrative On June 16, 1996, about 1600 eastern daylight time, an Aeronca 11-AC, N9261E, not registered with the FAA by the private owner, operating as a 14 CFR Part 91 demonstration flight, crashed on takeoff at Haller Airpark, Green Cove Springs, Florida. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The airplane sustained substantial damage. The commercial pilot and passenger who was interested in buying the airplane reported no injuries. The flight was originating at the time of the accident. The pilot stated he took off with a left quartering tailwind. After the airplane became airborne, he determined that he would not clear a tree line to his front. He made a 180-degree turn , did not round out, and landed hard on the runway separating the right main landing gear. The passenger exited the airplane, stated he was not interested in purchasing the airplane, and left without giving his name. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N9261E](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9261E), registered now, S/N 11AC-896, built 1946 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Aeronca 11-AC - 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: 896 - Airframe hours: 1871 - Engines: Continental C-65-8 65 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Part 91 - Registered owner: Marvin R. Graves - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, March 8, 1995, 32 hours before - Departed: FL7A - Airport: Haller Airport, runway 36, 2,600 × 72 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 48; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: left; flight hours: 30 in this make and model ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 130° at 10 knots - Visibility: 7 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 25,000 ft broken - Temperature: 81 °F, dew point 72 °F - Altimeter: 30.00 inHg - Observed at: GNV, 60 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 19960616014269A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960616014269A), Jun 16, 1996: Bbavia 11BC, Green Cove Sp, FL, Substantial damage. Unreigstered 11AC on demo flight crashed on takeoff. Took off downwind. Made 180 due trees. Landed hard. Folded gear ## Other investigations on N9261E (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 MIA69F0214](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA69F0214), Sep 5, 1968: Aeronca 11AC (N9261E), White Springs, FL, substantial damage 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.