On June 5, 1996, a Champion 7AC (registration N83995) was involved in an aviation accident near Clear, AK. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection in that he failed to ensure that the cabin door was properly secured for takeoff. Factors associated with the accident were: the open cabin door and rough/uneven terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot aborted takeoff after his dog opened the cabin door and attempted to leave the airplane. During the subsequent rollout, the tailwheel airplane encountered a ditch and boggy terrain, resulting in a nose-over.
Incident Details
The pilot reported that he placed his dog in the back seat of the tandem-seat tailwheel airplane before attempting takeoff. The takeoff was conducted off-airport on rough and uneven terrain. During the takeoff roll, just after the airplane became airborne, the cabin door opened. The pilot's dog then tried to leave the airplane, prompting the pilot to abort the takeoff and grab the animal.
Outcome
After touching down, the pilot began rolling out. The airplane then encountered a small ditch and boggy terrain, causing it to nose over. The report did not specify any injuries or damage beyond the nose-over event.
Frequently asked questions
What happened in the 5 Jun 1996 Champion 7AC accident near Clear, AK?
A pilot aborted takeoff after his dog opened the cabin door and attempted to leave the airplane. During the subsequent rollout, the tailwheel airplane encountered a ditch and boggy terrain, resulting in a nose-over.
Were there any fatalities in the 5 Jun 1996 Champion 7AC accident?
No fatalities were recorded in this accident.
What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?
The accident on 5 Jun 1996 involved a Champion 7AC, registration N83995, at Clear, AK.
What was the probable cause of the accident?
the pilot's inadequate preflight inspection in that he failed to ensure that the cabin door was properly secured for takeoff. Factors associated with the accident were: the open cabin door and rough/uneven terrain.
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