Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was practicing takeoffs and landings in the tailwheel-equipped airplane on a 2,505-foot-long by 50-foot-wide asphalt runway. The pilot reported that he performed a "normal" landing at a speed of approximately 60 miles per hour (mph); however, the airplane subsequently departed the left side of the runway at a ground speed of 35 to 40 mph. The airplane struck a hangar located approximately 200 feet from the runway, which resulted in substantial damage to the airframe. Examination of the airplane by a Federal Aviation Administration inspector did not reveal any evidence of preimpact mechanical malfunctions. The inspector also noted that there were no skid marks or evidence of braking from the runway to the point of impact at the hangar. Calm winds were reported 8 nautical miles northeast of the airport.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA09CA465 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 17, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Finleyville, Pennsylvania
- Nearest airport
- Finleyville Airpark (G05)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca 7AC
- N-number
- N83661
- 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.