Pilot And The Driver Of The Truck Impacted By The Airplane Both Fatally Injured

The NTSB has released its preliminary report from an accident which occurred on October 17 which fatally injured the pilot of an Aeronca 7AC Champ and the diver of a truck that was struck by the airplane.

According to the report, the airplane impacted a moving vehicle during short final approach to Martins Aerodrome (WI78), Green Bay, Wisconsin. The private pilot and the vehicle occupant sustained fatal injuries and the airplane sustained substantial damage. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot as a personal flight. Day visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed. The flight departed the Brennand Airport (79C), Neenah, Wisconsin, about 1600 and was destined for WI78.

The pilot departed WI78 earlier in the morning and arrived at 79C to meet with a mechanic to complete the airplane's annual inspection. The pilot and mechanic ate lunch together and then the pilot departed 79C for WI78. During their conversation, the pilot mentioned to the mechanic that he was concerned about the wet turf runway at WI78 and that he preferred to land near the end of the runway.

According to witnesses who were traveling in vehicles near the accident location, and a vehicle dashboard camera, the airplane was about 5 ft over the county highway adjacent to the end of runway 1 when it impacted the front left side of the westbound vehicle. The airplane remained on top of the truck after the collision. The truck departed the right side of the county highway, entered a ditch, and came to rest near a residential driveway.

An initial on-site examination of the wreckage did not reveal any anomalies with the airframe or engine. The airplane has been retained for further examination.

(Image provided with NTSB preliminary report)

FMI: Report