Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing with gusting winds.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was landing on runway 20 with a right quartering headwind of 7 knots, with gusts to 19 knots. The pilot reported that, as he was making a left turn to enter a taxiway, a gust of wind raised the wing before he lost directional control. The airplane then impacted a runway marker sign, causing substantial damage to the right main landing gear, right side of the fuselage, and the propeller. The pilot reported that he was not injured and exited the airplane unassisted. The pilot also reported that there was no mechanical malfunction or failure with the airplane. The Federal Aviation Administration inspector who responded to the scene and examined the airplane reported that there were no anomalies with the brake system, tailwheel steering, or flight controls.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN10CA407 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 10, 2010
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Santa Fe, New Mexico
- Nearest airport
- Santa Fe Municipal Airport (SAF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca 7AC
- N-number
- N84723
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.