On February 1, 1986, a Champion 7ECA (registration N55047) was involved in an aviation accident near Vincentown, NJ. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
After a normal approach and 3-point landing, the aircraft drifted right. Left rudder and brakes were applied but left rudder was unresponsive. The aircraft departed the runway at a 45-degree angle, struck a dirt embankment, and was damaged.
Incident Description
According to the pilot, a normal approach and a three-point landing were performed at Red Lion Airport. After the aircraft had rolled for two to three seconds, it began to drift to the right. Left rudder input was applied, but the pilot reported no response. The pilot then applied full left rudder and brakes. The aircraft slowed down, but reportedly there was still no response from the left rudder. The aircraft departed the runway at a 45-degree angle, collided with a dirt embankment, and sustained damage.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the aircraft was conducted. No pre-accident malfunction was found.