Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing, which resulted in a runway excursion and a collision with terrain.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that his 3-point touchdown in the tailwheel equipped airplane was normal, but during the ground roll the airplane started to veer to the right. He attempted to correct with the left rudder, but the airplane departed the runway to the right and impacted a ditch. The pilot reported that his pant leg may have gotten caught on the right heel brake. The fuselage and firewall sustained substantial damage.
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA201 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jul 23, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Warsaw, Missouri
- Nearest airport
- Warsaw Muni (RAW)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca 7BCM
- N-number
- N81686
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1945
- 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.