On August 4, 1998, a Champion 7ECA (registration N8335V) was involved in an aviation accident near Van Nuys, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for the existing crosswind condition and failure to maintain directional control that subsequently lead to a ground loop/swerve. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A witness observed a normal approach with left crosswind compensation, followed by a ground loop and right main landing gear collapse after tail wheel touchdown.
Accident Sequence
A pilot witness to the accident reported that the aircraft made a normal approach and appeared to be compensating for a left crosswind by lowering the left wing into the wind. The airplane touched down on the left main landing gear, then the right main landing gear was lowered to the runway, followed by the tail wheel. After the tail wheel touched down, the left wing rose and the airplane turned left. The left wing subsequently dropped, rose again, and then the airplane turned to the right and ground looped on the runway. During this process, the right main landing gear collapsed.
Post-Accident Inspection
The aircraft was inspected and no discrepancies were noted.
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