Casualties unknown

2003-11-26: American Champion 7GCBC (N297JB) — William G. Boerner — Menominee, MI

Menominee, MI, US

On November 26, 2003, an American Champion 7GCBC (registration N297JB) operated by William G. Boerner was involved in an aviation accident near Menominee, MI. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The Phillips screwdriver impacting the left tire on takeoff roll, and the deflated tire which did not allow directional control to be maintained during the subsequent landing. 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

The airplane collided with terrain after a loss of directional control during landing. The pilot reported a bump on takeoff and later a bang on landing, with the airplane pulling left. Post-accident inspection revealed a punctured tire and a screwdriver near the takeoff point.

Accident Sequence

The airplane veered left during landing, prompting the pilot to apply right rudder and power in an attempt to take off. The aircraft then veered right, causing the right wing to contact the ground. The airplane skidded sideways for approximately 150 feet before coming to rest off the departure end of the runway.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported feeling a "slight bump" on the left side of the airplane during the takeoff roll, which he attributed to possibly running over an object. He disregarded the bump and continued the takeoff. After a local flight, he returned to the airport for landing. During the landing roll, the pilot stated that "an object was hit by the left main tire, a bang was heard from what I assumed was an object hitting the left side of the fuselage." At the same time, the airplane pulled to the left. He applied "hard" right rudder and power with the intention of taking off, but the airplane then veered to the right, resulting in the right wing contacting the ground.

Post-Accident Inspection

A post-accident inspection revealed punctures on the inside sidewall of the left tire. A small Phillips screwdriver was found near the point of takeoff, suggesting possible foreign object debris involvement.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20031202X01973. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.