Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll in a crosswind, the airplane "started weathervaning…with some sideways sliding." He added that he decided to go around, but about 2 ft above the ground, "knowing I [he] couldn't climb fast enough to clear the top of the…[hangars] on the east side of the runway, I [he] pulled power back." The airplane touched down again, exited the left side of the runway, crossed a ditch, and came to rest on the taxiway.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The pilot reported the wind as variable, gusting to 15 knots. The pilot landed on runway 34.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA17CA288 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- May 15, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Lebanon, Oregon
- Nearest airport
- Lebanon State (S30)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca 7AC
- N-number
- N3046E
- 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.