This July 2008 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 Champ. Injuries: 1 Serious, 1 Minor. Location: Greensburg, Ky. Aircraft damage: Substantial.
What reportedly happened: The pilot spent the day giving airplane rides. He flew the same route each time, taking passengers around mountain ridges and swooping down over a cornfield. During the accident flight, the airplane went lower than the pilot intended and hit some trees. The pilot told investigators that he got sloppy on the last flight.
Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain clearance from trees while maneuvering.
For more information: NTSB.gov
