Probable cause
The student pilot’s loss of directional control during takeoff and the flight instructor’s delayed remedial action which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a steel object.
NTSB analysis
The flight instructor on board stated that the student was performing the takeoff. As the airplane accelerated down the runway, it began to drift to the right. The instructor attempted to correct with left rudder and left brake, but the airplane still exited the runway to the right. While exiting the runway, the student attempted to takeoff and the instructor overrode the student’s actions to keep the airplane on the ground. During the aborted takeoff, the airplane impacted a steel-constructed segmented circle which resulted in substantial damage to the fuselage.
The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies that would have precluded normal operation
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for CEN21LA006 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 5, 2020
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Salida, Colorado
- Nearest airport
- Kank (Sali)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca 7AC
- N-number
- N3370E
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1947
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
Other records under this N-number
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.