Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control after an encounter with a wind gust during takeoff.
NTSB analysis
The pilot and a passenger departed from a private airport in a tandem-seat, tailwheel-equipped airplane, destined for a public airport about 3 miles to the south. The pilot reported that he performed a "short field" landing to a full stop on runway 12 and then began a takeoff from the stopping point. The airplane veered to the right, the pilot applied corrective inputs, but the airplane exited the left side of the runway and ground looped. Both wings sustained substantial damage. The weather about the time of the accident included wind from 360 degrees at 6 knots. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions and that he lost control due to a wind gust.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR13CA179 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 3, 2013
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Caldwell, Idaho
- Nearest airport
- Caldwell Industrial (EUL)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Aeronca 7CCM
- N-number
- N4687E
- 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.