Champion AERONCA 7FC
Hessel, MI — April 2, 2020
Event Information
| Date | April 2, 2020 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | CEN20CA138 |
| Event ID | 20200406X24210 |
| Location | Hessel, MI |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 46.03556, -84.41778 |
| Airport | Albert J Lindberg |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | Champion |
| Model | AERONCA 7FC |
| 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 loss of directional control during landing in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a snowbank.
Full Narrative
The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he attempted a three-point, full stall landing, with a right-quartering headwind of about 10 to 15 knots. During rollout, the pilot experienced an unanticipated wind gust that raised the right wing and turned the airplane about 30° to the right. The pilot attempted to correct, but the airplane exited the right side of the runway and contacted a snowbank. The airplane decelerated rapidly and nosed over.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and wing strut.
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.