Casualties unknown

1998-01-10: Champion 7KCAB (N5275X) — Leadville, CO

Leadville, CO, US

On January 10, 1998, a Champion 7KCAB (registration N5275X) was involved in an aviation accident near Leadville, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout due to a quartering tailwind that developed during the maneuver. 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

During practice full-stop landings on runway 16, a sudden shift to a quartering tailwind caused the aircraft to veer right into a snowbank and nosed over.

What happened

The pilot was conducting practice full-stop landing maneuvers on runway 16. At the time of the incident, wind conditions were light, blowing from 150 degrees at a speed of 5 knots. During the rollout phase of the final landing attempt, the wind direction shifted unexpectedly, creating a quartering tailwind condition.

This change in wind dynamics caused the aircraft to drift toward the right side of the runway. The plane subsequently struck a snowbank located near the runway edge, which resulted in the aircraft nosing over.

The investigation

Post-accident examination revealed significant structural damage to multiple components of the airframe. The vertical fin, propeller, rudder, left wing, and engine mount were all damaged as a result of the impact with the snowbank.

Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing rollout due to a quartering tailwind that developed during the maneuver.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09429. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.