American Champion 7GCAA

Monterey, CA — April 4, 2009

Event Information

DateApril 4, 2009
Event TypeACC
NTSB NumberWPR09CA178
Event ID20090404X71233
LocationMonterey, CA
CountryUSA
Coordinates36.58556, -121.83889
AirportMonterey
Highest InjuryNONE

Aircraft

MakeAmerican Champion
Model7GCAA
CategoryAIR
FAR Part091
Aircraft DamageSUBS

Conditions

Light ConditionDAYL
WeatherVMC

Injuries

Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
None2
Total Injured0

Event Location

Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and failure to attain/maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Full Narrative

The wind was variable and shifting from onshore to off-shore. After the run-up, the pilot taxied to the hold short line and noted that the wind continued to shift. Immediately after clearing the pilot for takeoff on runway 10R, the controller told the pilot that the winds had shifted and now were from 330 degrees at 6 knots. The pilot noted that she would be taking off with a left quartering tailwind. During the ground roll, she pushed the stick forward to bring the tail up, then she eased up on the forward pressure, and the airplane became airborne momentarily. The pilot was attempting to get the airplane into ground effect for more airspeed, but the wind changed direction again, and the airplane yawed to the left. She tried to correct, but stated that there was no lift and no altitude, and the airplane was in a nose up attitude. The nose quickly dropped to the right, and the airplane came to a rest on its belly off to the right side of the runway. The tail wheel and left gear collapsed, the left wing tip was damaged, and the prop struck the ground. The pilot said there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

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.

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