AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT 8GCBC
Clarksville, TN — November 12, 2009
Event Information
| Date | November 12, 2009 |
| Event Type | ACC |
| NTSB Number | ERA10CA061 |
| Event ID | 20091112X43533 |
| Location | Clarksville, TN |
| Country | USA |
| Coordinates | 36.62194, -87.41472 |
| Airport | Outlaw Field |
| Highest Injury | NONE |
Aircraft
| Make | AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT |
| Model | 8GCBC |
| Category | AIR |
| FAR Part | 091 |
| Aircraft Damage | SUBS |
Conditions
| Light Condition | DAYL |
| Weather | VMC |
Injuries
| Fatal | 0 |
| Serious | 0 |
| Minor | 0 |
| None | 2 |
| Total Injured | 0 |
Event Location
Probable Cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was his decision to take off with a left quartering tailwind.
Full Narrative
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane stated that he elected to depart from runway 17 with a wind from 050 degrees at 7 knots with gusts to 9 knots, though runway 05 was available. During the takeoff roll, he, "lost directional control." The airplane departed the runway into a grassy area on the left side of the runway, where it ground looped substantially damaging the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies. The weather reporting facility at the accident airport reported that approximately 38 minutes before the accident and 22 minutes after the accident, the wind was from the east-northeast at 6 to 7 knots.
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.