Aeronca 7DC, N83512: Accident occurred October 22, 2017 at Salinas Municipal Airport (KSNS), Monterey County, California

Additional Participating Entity:
Federal Aviation Administration / Flight Standards District Office; San Jose, California

Aviation Accident Final Report - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf

Investigation Docket - National Transportation Safety Board: https://dms.ntsb.gov/pubdms

Aviation Accident Data Summary - National Transportation Safety Board: https://app.ntsb.gov/pdf 

http://registry.faa.gov/N83512

Analysis 

The pilot reported that, during landing, as the tailwheel was touching down, the airplane swerved to the right and hit a taxiway sign. Subsequently, the left main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing struck the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing.

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

The automated weather observation system on the accident airport reported, about 30 minutes before the accident, that the wind was calm. The automated report further reported, about 30 minutes after the accident, that the wind was from 270° at 11 knots. The pilot landed on runway 08. 

Probable Cause and Findings

The National Transportation Safety Board determines the probable cause(s) of this accident to be:
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing with a tailwind.

Findings

Aircraft
Directional control - Not attained/maintained (Cause)

Personnel issues
Aircraft control - Pilot (Cause)

Environmental issues
Tailwind - Effect on operation
Sign/marker - Contributed to outcome

Factual Information

History of Flight

Landing
Loss of control on ground (Defining event)
Runway excursion

Nose over/nose down

Location: Salinas, CA
Accident Number: GAA18CA018
Date & Time: 10/22/2017, 1330 PDT
Registration: N83512
Aircraft: AERONCA 7DC
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Defining Event: Loss of control on ground
Injuries: 2 None
Flight Conducted Under: Part 91: General Aviation - Personal

The pilot reported that, during landing, as the tailwheel was touching down the airplane swerved to the right and hit a taxiway sign. Subsequently, the left main landing gear collapsed and the left wing struck the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the fuselage and left wing.

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

The automated weather observation system on the accident airport reported, about 30 minutes prior to the accident that the wind was calm. The automated report further reported, about 30 minutes after the accident, the wind was from 270° at 11 knots. The pilot landed on runway 08. 

Pilot Information

Certificate: Airline Transport
Age: 71, Male
Airplane Rating(s): Multi-engine Land; Single-engine Land; Single-engine Sea
Seat Occupied: Front
Other Aircraft Rating(s): None
Restraint Used: 3-point
Instrument Rating(s): Airplane
Second Pilot Present: No
Instructor Rating(s): None
Toxicology Performed: No
Medical Certification: Class 2 With Waivers/Limitations
Last FAA Medical Exam: 05/10/2017
Occupational Pilot: Yes
Last Flight Review or Equivalent: 11/11/2015
Flight Time:  (Estimated) 3900 hours (Total, all aircraft), 200 hours (Total, this make and model), 15 hours (Last 90 days, all aircraft), 4 hours (Last 30 days, all aircraft), 1 hours (Last 24 hours, all aircraft) 

Aircraft and Owner/Operator Information

Aircraft Manufacturer: AERONCA
Registration: N83512
Model/Series: 7DC
Aircraft Category: Airplane
Year of Manufacture: 1946
Amateur Built: No
Airworthiness Certificate: Normal
Serial Number: 7AC-2183
Landing Gear Type: Tailwheel
Seats: 2
Date/Type of Last Inspection: 03/16/2017, Annual
Certified Max Gross Wt.: 1300 lbs
Time Since Last Inspection: 
Engines: 1 Reciprocating
Airframe Total Time: 1998 Hours at time of accident
Engine Manufacturer: Continental
ELT: C91  installed, not activated
Engine Model/Series: C85-F
Registered Owner: On file
Rated Power: 85 hp
Operator: On file
Operating Certificate(s) Held: None

Meteorological Information and Flight Plan

Conditions at Accident Site: Visual Conditions
Condition of Light: Day
Observation Facility, Elevation: KSNS, 77 ft msl
Observation Time: 2053 UTC
Distance from Accident Site: 0 Nautical Miles
Direction from Accident Site: 72°
Lowest Cloud Condition: Clear
Temperature/Dew Point: 24°C / 12°C
Lowest Ceiling: None
Visibility:  10 Miles
Wind Speed/Gusts, Direction: 11 knots, 270°
Visibility (RVR):  
Altimeter Setting: 30.25 inches Hg
Visibility (RVV): 
Precipitation and Obscuration: No Obscuration; No Precipitation
Departure Point: Salinas, CA (SNS)
Type of Flight Plan Filed: None
Destination: Salinas, CA (SNS)
Type of Clearance: VFR
Departure Time: 1230 PDT
Type of Airspace: Class D

Airport Information

Airport: SALINAS MUNI (SNS)
Runway Surface Type: Asphalt
Airport Elevation: 84 ft
Runway Surface Condition: Dry
Runway Used: 08
IFR Approach: None
Runway Length/Width: 6004 ft / 150 ft
VFR Approach/Landing: Full Stop

Wreckage and Impact Information

Crew Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Damage: Substantial
Passenger Injuries: 1 None
Aircraft Fire: None
Ground Injuries: N/A
Aircraft Explosion: None
Total Injuries: 2 None
Latitude, Longitude: 36.662500, -121.613611 (est)