On September 24, 1996, a Champion 7ECA (registration N68ME) was involved in an aviation accident near Fargo, ND. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing. A factor was the crosswind. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a three-point landing on runway 13, a pilot reported tailwheel shimmy and vibration, causing the airplane to bounce and weathervane right. Despite left rudder, the airplane exited the runway and struck a runway light. An 8-knot crosswind was reported after the accident.
Pilot Statement
The pilot provided an account of the accident sequence. He stated that during the three-point landing on runway 13, a tailwheel shimmy and vibration were experienced. As a result, the airplane bounced and weathervaned to the right. The pilot attempted to counteract the deviation by applying left rudder input, but the airplane continued to move to the right and departed the runway surface.
Runway Light Contact
After exiting the runway, the airplane struck a runway light located along the side of the runway. The report did not specify the extent of damage to the aircraft or the light.
Weather Conditions
A weather reading taken shortly after the accident indicated a wind direction of 70 degrees at 8 knots, which constituted a left crosswind of approximately 70 degrees relative to runway 13. The pilot did not mention wind conditions prior to the landing.