Casualties unknown

2001-08-25: Champion 7FC (N9857B) — Reno, NV

Reno, NV, US

On August 25, 2001, a Champion 7FC (registration N9857B) was involved in an aviation accident near Reno, NV. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control during the landing roll. 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 tail wheel conversion aircraft ground looped during a wheel landing, causing the main landing gear to collapse and the left wing to contact the runway. The pilot noted a wind sock change from calm to left crosswind between landings.

Accident Details

The aircraft, which had been converted from a tricycle landing gear configuration to a tail wheel configuration, experienced a ground loop during a wheel landing. The pilot reported that as the aircraft touched down, it veered to the left, then reversed direction to the right, resulting in a ground loop. The main landing gear collapsed, and the left wing contacted the runway surface.

Pilot Observations

The pilot stated that during the previous landing, the wind sock was "dead calm." However, on the accident landing, the wind sock indicated a left crosswind. The pilot perceived a gust, though the wind had been reported as calm at the time of landing.

Weather Information

At the nearest weather reporting point, located 11 nautical miles from the accident site, the surface wind was reported as 3 knots. No other weather observations were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010829X01817. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.