On July 25, 1987, a Champion 7ECA (registration N5144X) was involved in an aviation accident near Rancho Calif, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of control while landing, which resulted in a collision with three other aircraft. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A Champion 7ECA lost control while landing on runway 12 at a Riverside, California airport, resulting in a collision with three other aircraft. No pre-impact mechanical failures were reported.
What happened
The accident occurred approximately 31 miles northwest of Riverside, California, around 1755 Pacific Daylight Time. The pilot was attempting to land on runway 12 when he lost control of the Champion 7ECA. As a result of this loss of control, the aircraft collided with three other aircraft at the airport.
Weather conditions at the time varied slightly depending on the observer. Official records indicated the wind was from 290 degrees at 9 knots. However, a witness located at the airport estimated the wind to be from 270 degrees at 25 knots.
The investigation
Investigators examined the scene and the involved aircraft for signs of mechanical failure. No pre-impact part failure or malfunction of the aircraft was reported during the examination.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of control while landing, which resulted in a collision with three other aircraft.