# NTSB SEA94LA046: Aeronca 7BCM, N4244A, Manila, UT, January 2, 1994

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: January 2, 1994, 15:00 local (22:00 UTC)
- Place: Manila, UT
- Coordinates: 40.940498, -109.789031 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.9405&lon=-109.7890&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 1 minor
- Status: Completed, report December 2, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 41865
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=SEA94LA046
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/41865/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/SEA94LA046

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN CLEARANCE. FACTORS INCLUDE A TAILWIND, GUSTS, AND A TREE JUST OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE FIELD USED FOR TAKEOFF.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, takeoff
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - tailwind (contributing factor)
  - weather condition - gusts (contributing factor)
  - object - tree(s) (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS ATTEMPTING A TAKEOFF FROM AN 800 FOOT LONG OPEN FIELD WHEN HE ENCOUNTERED A GUSTING QUARTERING TAILWIND. THE AIRCRAFT LOST AIRSPEED, AND ITS RATE OF CLIMB DECREASED JUST AFTER LIFT OFF. THIS RESULTED IN THE AIRCRAFT IMPACTING A TREE THAT WAS JUST OFF THE DEPARTURE END OF THE FIELD.

## Factual narrative

On January 2, 1994, at 1500 mountain standard time (MST), an Aeronca 7BCM, N4244A, collided with a tree just after lift-off from a field near Manila, Utah. The private pilot, who was the sole occupant of the aircraft, received minor injuries, and the aircraft sustained substantial damage. The personal pleasure flight, which was departing for Rock Springs, Wyoming, was being operated in visual meteorological conditions at the time of the accident. The pilot had not filed a flight plan, and the ELT, which was activated by the impact, was turned off at the scene.

According to the pilot, who was taking off from an 800 foot long open field, he was caught by a gust of quartering tailwind just after lift-off. The aircraft then experienced a decrease in airspeed and a significant decrease in rate of climb. This was followed by the aircraft impacting a tree situated just beyond the departure end of the field.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4244A](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N4244A), registered now, S/N 7BCM-48, built 1947 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: AERONCA 7BCM
- Registry model: [Aeronca 7BCM](https://openairdocs.org/model/aeronca-7bcm) (registry code 2110106) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C85 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c85-series) (registry code 17008, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7BCM-48
- Airframe hours: 724
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-90-12 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Nunn, Marvin T.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Destination: RKS, ROCK SPRINGS, WY

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 876 total, 625 in this make and model, 824 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: variable at 5 knots, gusting 10
- Visibility: 20 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 25 °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 19940102000069A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19940102000069A), Jan 2, 1994: Bbavia 7BCM, Manila, UT, Substantial damage. Windshift on takeoff from 800 foot farm field. Unable clear obstructions. Struck trees at end 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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