Casualties unknown

1998-03-15: Champion 7ECA (N7507F) — Castlewood, VA

Castlewood, VA, US

On March 15, 1998, a Champion 7ECA (registration N7507F) was involved in an aviation accident near Castlewood, VA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to achieve the proper touchdown point and the delayed execution of the go around. A contributing factor was the fence. 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 landing westward on a 2,400-foot grass runway touched down long, bounced, and overran the strip, crossing an electric fence and a ravine before hitting an embankment. No mechanical issues were found.

Incident

The pilot was landing towards the west on a 2,400-foot grass runway. The runway was bounded at both the east and west ends by a 3-foot-high electric cattle fence. After touchdown, the airplane overran the end of the strip, crossed a 40-foot deep ravine, and impacted the top of an embankment.

Witness Observations

Witnesses reported that the airplane touched down past midfield, bounced several times, and was approaching the end of the strip when they heard the engine accelerate. They added that the airplane was only a few feet above the ground in a nose-high attitude as it crossed over the electric cattle fence.

Examination

Examination of the wreckage revealed no mechanical malfunction with the airframe or engine. A Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector examined the wreckage and crash site, and reported that the top strand of wire on the electric cattle fence, which was approximately 30 inches above the ground, was broken.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X09693. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.