On March 7, 1989, a Champion 7ECA (registration N8350V) was involved in an aviation accident near Ocala, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: FAILURE OF THE VEHICLE DRIVER TO SEE AND YIELD TO THE ACFT THAT WAS LANDING ON RWY 27. CONTRIBUTING FACTORS WERE: VEHICLE ON THE RUNWAY AND INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT BY THE PILOT. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot landing on a grass runway struck a vehicle crossing the intersection with a paved runway, causing separation of the left main gear. The pilot continued the landing and veered off the runway.
Accident Overview
A pilot entered the traffic pattern to land on Runway 27, a grass runway, which intersected Runway 36, a paved runway. Runway 27 extended west of Runway 36 and intersected it at the paved runway's midfield area.
Sequence of Events
While flaring over the intersection to land, the aircraft's left main gear struck a vehicle. The vehicle was traveling north on the left edge of Runway 36 and was crossing the intersection at the time of impact. Upon impact, the left main gear separated from the aircraft. The pilot continued the landing despite the damage.
Landing and Aftermath
After touchdown on Runway 27, the aircraft veered off the side of the runway before coming to rest. The pilot's medical certificate was dated December 3, 1986.