Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain airplane control while taxiing in gusting wind conditions.
NTSB analysis
The pilot reported that while he was taxiing the tailwheel-equipped airplane from the taxiway to the runway to conduct a takeoff in gusting wind conditions, the airplane’s left wing suddenly raised up. Despite pilot control inputs, the wing continued to rise and the airplane subsequently nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the tail and wing lift struts. The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA088 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Jan 8, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Rialto, California
- Nearest airport
- Rialto Municipal Airport (L67)
- Highest injury
- Minor
- Minor injuries
- 1
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca 7AC
- N-number
- N1254E
- 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.