On October 15, 1999, a Champion 7ECA (registration N8353V) was involved in an aviation accident near Grand Ledge, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. Factors associated with the accident were the gusty crosswind and the tree which the airplane contacted. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During a landing on runway 27, a gust of wind caused the airplane to weather-vane, leading to a runway excursion into grass where the right wing struck a tree and the right main gear collapsed.
Event Details
The pilot performed two touch and go landings on runway 18 before attempting a full-stop landing on runway 27. According to the pilot, the southerly wind had decreased during the approach, and he maintained a lowered wing to compensate. The airplane touched down lightly and floated for approximately 100 feet. At that point, a gust of wind from 170 degrees caused the airplane to weather-vane to a heading 45 degrees from the runway centerline.
Pilot Account
The pilot attempted remedial action, but the airplane departed the south side of the runway into the grass. During the excursion, the right wing contacted a tree, and the right main landing gear collapsed.
Weather Conditions
Weather reported 10 minutes prior to the accident at an airport 8 miles east of the accident airport indicated winds from 170 degrees at 10 knots, gusting to 19 knots.