This May 2007 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
Aircraft: Aeronca 7AC.
Location: Mason, Mich.
Injuries: None.
Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot was attempting to land. He said the touch down was good but when he reached to turn off the carb heat the airplane made an uncommanded turn to the left. He applied right rudder and added power to do a go-around. The airplane launched back into the air, stalled, clipped a tree, then hit the ground.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll and failure to maintain sufficient airspeed during the aborted landing attempt leading to an inadvertent stall.
For more information: NTSB.gov/ntsb/brief2.asp?ev_id=20070615X00731&ntsbno=CHI07CA137&akey=1.