Airplane Started A “Roll To The Right,” The Left Wing “Fell,” And The Airplane “Stalled, Entering A Spin.”

Location: Fort Worth, TX Accident Number: CEN21FA377
Date & Time: August 21, 2021, 08:53 Local Registration: N1472E
Aircraft: Aeronca 7AC Injuries: 2 Fatal
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General aviation - Personal

On August 21, 2021, about 0853 central daylight time, an Aeronca 7AC airplane, N1472E, sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Fort Worth, Texas. The airline transport pilot and the passenger sustained fatal injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

According to the manager of the Flying Oaks Airport (2TE2), Fort Worth, Texas, the pilot was going to conduct a local area flight with his son onboard. The pilot was seated in the rear seat and the passenger was seated in the front seat. The airplane, which had flight controls at both positions, but only flight instruments for the front seat, was based out of 2TE2. Multiple witnesses observed the airplane takeoff from the grass runway 15, at 2TE2. One witness, a flight instructor, reported that during the climb out, the airplane appeared to get “slow.” He reported that the airplane started a “roll to the right,” the left wing “fell,” and the airplane “stalled, entering a spin.” The flight instructor reported this occurred about 100 ft above ground level (AGL). A second witness reported that near the end of the runway, about 100 ft AGL, he observed a “strong right yaw” with the airplane, followed by a gradual left turn.

The pilot appeared to lower the nose, the airplane “rolled hard left,” and entered a spin. The witness did not recall hearing any abnormal noises originating from the engine. The airplane came to rest about 1,100 ft southeast of the departure end of runway 15, on private property. The airplane came to rest on a concrete driveway, next to a metal horse pasture fence. The airplane sustained substantial damage to both wings and the fuselage. 

The wreckage was recovered for further examination.

FMI: www.ntsb.gov