Pilot stalls on takeoff during proficiency check

According to the flight instructor in the tailwheel-equipped Aeronca 7AC, the purpose of flight was to provide a “proficiency check” for the pilot in the front seat.

The pilot was on the controls and landed the airplane after accomplishing one pattern.

During the subsequent takeoff at the airport in Warrenton, Virginia, about 5′ above ground level, the airplane’s right wing “went down,” and the pilot applied left stick, but the airplane hit the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right-wing lift struts.

During an interview with the National Transportation Safety Board investigator-in-charge, the instructor reported that he believed that the airspeed was too slow during the takeoff climb and that the airplane stalled.

The METAR at the airport reported that, about the time of the accident, the wind was from 20° at 4 knots. The pilots used Runway 15.

The pilot and instructor reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain adequate airspeed and his exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during the takeoff initial climb, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

NTSB Identification: GAA18CA257

This May 2018 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.