Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing with a tailwind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that, during landing, as the tailwheel was touching down, the airplane swerved to the right and hit a taxiway sign. Subsequently, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing struck the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
The automated weather observation system on the accident airport reported, about 30 minutes before the accident, that the wind was calm. The automated report further reported, about 30 minutes after the accident, that the wind was from 270° at 11 knots. The pilot landed on runway 08.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA018 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Oct 22, 2017
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Salinas, California
- Nearest airport
- Salinas Muni (SNS)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca 7DC
- N-number
- N83512
- 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.