| Crash location | Unknown |
| Nearest city | Grand Rapids, MN
47.238276°N, 93.512158°W |
| Tail number | N84868 |
|---|---|
| Accident date | 28 Feb 2003 |
| Aircraft type | Aeronca 7AC |
| Additional details: | None |
On February 28, 2003, at 1400 central standard time, an Aeronca 7AC, N84868, was destroyed when it impacted trees during initial climb from a private grass airstrip near Grand Rapids, Minnesota. Visual meteorological condition prevailed at the time of the accident. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was not operating on a flight plan. The pilot was uninjured. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.
The pilot stated that it was his third time landing on the private airstrip. The landing was made towards the southwest over pine trees about 20 feet in height. The pilot then took off towards the northeast, remained in ground effect, and then stalled into the trees located at the departure end. He also stated that the airplane had become airborne well within the go-no go parameters but failed to climb possibly encountering a tail wind or wind shear. He reported that the winds were calm but later that afternoon they were 170 degrees at 4 knots.
The grass airstrip was about 1,500 feet in length with an upslope towards the northeast.
The pilot's failure to obtain adequate airspeed which resulted in a stall. The short, soft, takeoff area, and the trees were contributing factors.