Probable cause
The pilot’s inability to maintain directional control while landing due to a worn tailwheel locking mechanism, which resulted in a runway excursion and collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while landing the vintage tailwheel airplane on a turf airstrip, the airplane veered left when the tailwheel touched down. The airplane traveled off the runway and the right wing struck a tree, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing. Postaccident examination of the tailwheel revealed that the locking mechanism was worn, which likely resulted in the tailwheel not being appropriately aligned with the rudder position during the landing.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA22LA382 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 21, 2022
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Clermont, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Seminole Lake Gliderport (6FL0)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca 7AC
- N-number
- N44FC
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1946
- 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.