Aeronca 7BCM N9325H accident near Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania

Probable cause

The pilots’ failure to maintain directional control of the airplane while landing in gusting wind conditions.

NTSB analysis

The pilot/owner reported that the pilot rated passenger, who had not previously flown in nearly 25 years, was attempting to land the tailwheel-equipped airplane. Upon touchdown, the airplane began to drift to the left. The pilot/owner attempted to correct but was unable. The airplane subsequently impacted trees resulting in substantial damage to the right wing and aft fuselage structure. The pilot/owner further described that “there was a gust of wind that got the better of him” in reference to the pilot rated passenger. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA355 for the full record.