Casualties unknown

2000-10-21: Champion 7ECA (N7586F) — Pulaski, WI

Pulaski, WI, US

On October 21, 2000, a Champion 7ECA (registration N7586F) was involved in an aviation accident near Pulaski, WI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the evasive maneuver initiated by the pilot. Factors were the presence of the skydiver on the runway, and the pilot's selection of a closed runway. 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

An airplane veered off a closed grass runway and nosed over after the pilot applied right rudder to avoid a skydiver who landed in the middle of the runway. No preexisting anomalies were found.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that during final approach, he observed a skydiver. In his judgment, it was clear to land on the sod runway because the skydiver was on target over his designated landing spot, well to the left of runway 12. However, upon touchdown, the skydiver apparently turned downwind and ended up landing in the middle of the runway.

Pilot Actions

To avoid a collision, the pilot applied right rudder, which caused the aircraft to cross the paved runway and enter a field. While traversing the field, the aircraft struck brush and flipped over. The airplane sustained substantial damage.

Aircraft Condition

No anomalies were found with respect to the aircraft that could be associated with a preexisting condition, and the pilot reported none.

Runway Status

An employee at the airport stated that the grass runway was closed at the time of the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X22127. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.