Casualties unknown

1994-09-29: Champion 7FC (N7695E) — Willard D Gribbin — Sacramento, KY

Sacramento, KY, US

On September 29, 1994, a Champion 7FC (registration N7695E) operated by Willard D Gribbin was involved in an aviation accident near Sacramento, KY. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A pilot attempting takeoff from a familiar dirt strip experienced a longer roll than usual, then struck powerlines and crops after maneuvering to avoid obstacles, resulting in a crash in a corn field.

Accident

A pilot was attempting takeoff from a dirt strip that he had used several times before. According to the pilot, the takeoff roll was longer than usual, but he was not too concerned about it. The airplane lifted off, and due to limited forward visibility from the high pitch attitude, the pilot looked out the side window and then noticed powerlines in his path. He increased pitch to clear the powerlines, but the airspeed decreased. He then decreased pitch to regain airspeed and noticed trees ahead. To avoid the trees, he turned right, but the right wing collided with the crop, and the airplane crashed in the corn field.

Narrative

The pilot reported that the takeoff surface was a dirt strip. He had used this strip on multiple prior occasions. During the takeoff roll, the airplane required a greater distance than normal to become airborne. The pilot expressed that this did not cause him significant concern. After liftoff, the airplane assumed a high pitch attitude, which restricted forward visibility. To compensate, the pilot looked out the side window. Through this view, he observed powerlines directly ahead. He raised the airplane's nose to climb over the powerlines, which caused the airspeed to decrease. In response, he lowered the nose to regain airspeed. At that moment, he saw trees in front of the airplane. To avoid colliding with the trees, the pilot executed a right turn. During the turn, the right wing made contact with the crop (presumably the corn or other vegetation), and the airplane subsequently impacted the ground in the corn field. No further details regarding the extent of damage or injuries were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001206X02186. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.