NTSB Factual Report

On April 8, 2001, at 1800 central daylight time, an Aeronca 7AC airplane, N2129E, was substantially damaged when it impacted terrain following a loss of control while maneuvering near Roe, Arkansas. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot. The commercial pilot and his two passengers sustained minor injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight. The flight originated from the Clarendon Municipal Airport, Clarendon, Arkansas, at 1800.

According to the pilot's training records, on March 20, 2001, he successfully completed the "Ag-Course" at Ag Flight, Inc., of Bainbridge, Georgia.

According to the pilot, he was flying from the front seat and his two passengers were seated in the rear seat of the two seat tandem style airplane. He was demonstrating "Ag runs" and had a tailwind of approximately 15 knots. He reported that the airplane was approximately 10 feet agl, above a field, when he noted that the airplane's "speed" had increased. He reduced the throttle to decrease the airplane's speed and initiated a turn. He attempted to climb; however, the airplane wouldn't "pull up." Subsequently, the nose dropped, and the airplane impacted the field. Additionally, one of the passengers reported that a strong tailwind existed.

The pilot reported that the airframe was twisted, and the wings were structurally damaged.

In the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report (NTSB Form 6120.1/2), in the section "Recommendation (How could this accident have been prevented)", the pilot reported: "This accident could have been prevented by taking more precautions for wind."

NTSB Probable Cause

the inadvertent stall by the pilot while maneuvering at low altitude. A contributory factor was the tailwind.