On January 9, 1987, a Champion 7EC (registration N7515E) operated by Willaim A. Fischbach was involved in an aviation accident near Oakland, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's distraction during the initial climb, which led to a stall and loss of control. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Champion 7EC lost control during takeoff initial climb after the pilot looked back toward the runway, causing a stall and uncontrolled descent with no mechanical issues.
What happened
The accident involved a Champion 7EC that departed from controlled flight during the critical phase of takeoff and initial climb. During the ground roll for takeoff, the aircraft experienced drag on one wing, indicating an asymmetry in lift or control surface position as it accelerated down the runway.
As the aircraft rotated and began its ascent, eyewitnesses observed the pilot looking back toward the runway behind the aircraft. This distraction appears to have coincided with a loss of airspeed. The aircraft subsequently entered a stall condition. Without sufficient altitude or control authority to recover, the Champion 7EC descended in an uncontrolled manner until impact with the ground.
The investigation
Examination of the wreckage and review of the flight data revealed that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions of any system prior to the accident. The airframe and engine components were consistent with high-energy impact forces but showed no signs of pre-impact operational failure. The absence of mechanical issues points to pilot input and situational awareness as the primary variables in the sequence of events.
Probable cause
The pilot's distraction during the initial climb, which led to a stall and loss of control.