Champion 7ECA
Cleveland, TX — October 5, 2018
Event Information
| Date | October 5, 2018 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | GAA19CA019 |
| Event ID | 20181009X01408 |
| Location | Cleveland, TX |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 30.33639, -94.93945 |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Champion |
| Model | 7ECA |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 1 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control while landing in a gusting crosswind conditions.
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that, while landing on a private grass airstrip, in a crosswind, a gust from the right made the tailwheel-equipped airplane weathervane into the wind. He added that, while correcting for the crosswind, the airplane drifted left, and the left main landing gear sunk into soft ground. The airplane pivoted left, the right main landing gear exited the runway, and the airplane nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right wing spar, and the left wing lift strut.
The pilot reported that the wind was variable at 10 knots, gusting 15 knots.
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
About This NTSB Record
This aviation event was investigated by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). NTSB investigates all U.S. civil aviation accidents to determine probable cause and issue safety recommendations to prevent future accidents.