On March 27, 1997, a Champion 7ECA (registration N11023) was involved in an aviation accident near South St. Paul, MN. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind and his failure to maintain adequate obstacle clearance which resulted in collision with a snowbank. The pilot's lack of recent experience, the crosswind, and snowbank are contributing factors. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During touch and go landings, a pilot experienced a tail cock to the right on runway 16 with a right crosswind. Unable to correct, the airplane exited the runway, struck a snow drift during a go-around, and flipped over.
Overview
The pilot was conducting touch and go landings as part of flight proficiency training. Runway 16 was in use, and a right crosswind existed during the accident flight. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane.
Sequence of Events
The pilot reported that when the airplane was approximately 2,500 feet down the runway, the tail swung to the right. Despite efforts, the pilot was unable to straighten the airplane before it left the runway. The pilot then initiated a go-around. However, during the go-around, the airplane struck a snow drift located along the runway. The impact caused the airplane to flip over.
Pilot Experience
This flight was the pilot's first in the preceding 90 days. The pilot did not report any mechanical malfunctions with the airplane prior to or during the flight.
