Aeronca 7EC N4348C accident near Plattsmouth, Nebraska

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of control during takeoff.

NTSB analysis

While departing runway 16 for a local flight, the private pilot in the front seat was piloting the airplane, while the commercial pilot followed along on the controls from the rear seat. When the airplane became airborne, it yawed to the right and crossed the left edge of the runway. Aircraft control was lost as the airplane's right wing suddenly dropped and the right main landing gear contacted the ground. The airplane descended and spun 180 degrees. Substantial damage was sustained to the fuselage. The pilot reported no mechanical malfunctions or failure prior to the accident. The wind at the time of the accident was reported calm; however, an ultralight pilot, who had flown shortly before the accident airplane, reported a 5-10 knot wind from the south just above the runway.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN13CA530 for the full record.