Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was attempting to take off from a gravel runway that was lined on both sides with tall grass. During the takeoff roll, the airplane drifted to the left into the grass, and the pilot corrected his course back toward the runway. The airplane then drifted into the grass on the right side, hit a wire fence and a dirt berm, and nosed over. The pilot said that the airplane and engine had no mechanical failures or malfunctions during the attempted takeoff.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for LAX08CA204 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jun 29, 2008
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Elk River, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Private Airport (NONE)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca 7DC
- N-number
- N83056
- 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.