Casualties unknown

2003-07-28: Champion 7GCBC (N9032L) — Buffalo, SD

Buffalo, SD, US

On July 28, 2003, a Champion 7GCBC (registration N9032L) was involved in an aviation accident near Buffalo, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The instructor pilot's inadequate remedial action to the dual student's loss of aircraft control during high speed taxiing which lead to the inadvertent ground loop/swerve. A factor was the student not maintaining aircraft control. 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 tailwheel-equipped airplane sustained substantial damage after ground looping during a high-speed taxi. The instructor reported a sequence of swerves and brake application, with no mechanical malfunctions.

Accident Overview

A tailwheel-equipped airplane experienced a ground loop during a high-speed taxi, resulting in substantial damage to the airframe. The instructor, who was assisting a student, provided a detailed account of the events.

Instructor's Account

The instructor stated, "The aircraft started to go right, and I assisted the student in straightening it by applying a small amount of left brake. Then the aircraft started to swerve violently to the left, and I applied full right brake, which didn't stop the motion but may have kept the wing from hitting the ground. We made approximately a half circle, turning about 135 [degrees], managing to stay on the runway the whole time."

Runway and Wind Conditions

The accident occurred while using Runway 30 with a light east wind. The instructor reported no mechanical malfunctions prior to the accident.

Damage

During the ground loop, the aircraft sustained damage to the airframe tubing. The extent of the damage was classified as substantial.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030730X01232. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.