# NTSB NYC82FNA15: Aeronca 7AC, N2983E, Danvers, MA, June 11, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Final report
- Date: June 11, 1982, 01:20 local (05:20 UTC)
- Place: Danvers, MA
- Location: 42.5742° N, 70.9505° W: Placed by OpenAirDocs: center of Danvers, MA, within about 6 miles (OpenAirDocs)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=42.5742&lon=-70.9505&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report June 11, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 70401
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC82FNA15
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/70401/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC82FNA15

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff - initial climb
  - fluid,fuel - incorrect
  - maintenance,service of aircraft/equipment - intentional, pilot in command
  - terrain condition - high obstruction(s) (contributing factor)
  - light condition - night (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, takeoff - initial climb

## Analysis

DURING THE PREVIOUS FLIGHT, THE AIRCRAFT HAD RUN OUT OF FUEL AND WAS SUCCESSFULLY LANDED IN AN OPEN FIELD. THIS OCCURRED WHILE THE FUEL GAUGE WAS INDICATING 1/4 FULL. THE PILOT SERVICED THE PLANE WITH 5 GALLONS OF NO-LEAD AUTO FUEL AND STRIPPED IT OF EXCESS WEIGHT. HE ATTEMPTED TO FLY OUT OF THE FIELD, BUT HAD INSUFFICIENT SPEED AT THE DECISION POINT AND ABORTED. HE THEN ELECTED TO TAKEOFF FROM A 500 FT SECTION OF AN ADJACENT HIGHWAY WITH TREES AT THE END OF THE AREA. THE TAKEOFF WAS BEGUN ON A BRIGHT MOONLIT LIGHT AND WITH ILLUMINATION FROM A STREET LIGHT. AFTER LIFT-OFF IN A NORTHEASTERLY DIRECTION, A SHARP LEFT TURN WAS MADE AT AN ALTITUDE OF 12 TO 25 FT AGL TO AVOID THE TREES. ALSO, THIS TURN WAS AWAY FROM POWER LINES ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE HIGHWAY. A WITNESS STATED THAT THE RIGHT WING HIT THE TREES. AT ABOUT THE SAME TIME OR SHORTLY THEREAFTER, THE LEFT WING CONTACTED THE GROUND AND THE PLANE CRASHED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: N2983E (not matched to a registry record)
- Reported make and model: AERONCA 7AC
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7AC-6569
- Airframe hours: 3063
- Engines: CONTINENTAL A-65 75 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Ferry, Part 91
- Operator: G. Read Hamilton
- Registered owner: G. Read Hamilton
- Departed: DANVERS, MA
- Destination: DANVERS, MA
- Airport: Beverly Airport

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 56; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 673 total, 528 in this make and model, 631 as pilot in command, 21 in the last 90 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Night/bright
- Wind: 70° at 7 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Temperature: 131 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg

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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