Primary finding
Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain adequate airspeed which resulted in an inadvertent stall. A factor was unfavorable winds.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The airplane had lifted off the runway, and climbed to an altitude above the tree line. According to the pilot he encountered a gust of wind resulting in the airplane drifting to the left of the runway, 'lost flying speed,' and impacted in an area of small trees and heavy thicket.
Source record
Factual narrative
On May 31, 1994, about 1330 eastern daylight time, a Aeronca 7AC, N33P, piloted by Mr. Harold Watt, collided with trees while taking off at the Taunton Municipal Airport, Taunton, Massachusetts. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot and one passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The flight was operated under 14 CFR 91. According to the pilot's statement on the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, the airplane had lifted off of runway 30, and, "...climbed to an altitude above the tree line and was hit by a severe gust of wind....veered to the left and lost flying speed...." According to the FAA, the airplane drifted to the left of the runway, impacting in an area of "small trees and heavy thicket." -