Casualties unknown

2004-10-30: Champion 7FC (N4851E) — James & Tracy Habersetzer — Talkeetna, AK

Talkeetna, AK, US

On October 30, 2004, a Champion 7FC (registration N4851E) operated by James & Tracy Habersetzer was involved in an aviation accident near Talkeetna, AK. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The instructor pilot's inadequate supervision of the student, which resulted in a loss of control during the landing roll, and subsequent nose over. 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

During a training flight in a tailwheel airplane, the pilot veered left after landing. The instructor took control but the airplane ground looped, struck a snowbank, and nosed over, causing structural damage to wings, struts, fuselage, and empennage. No preaccident mechanical anomalies were found.

Incident Overview

A flight instructor was providing flight instruction and recurrent training to a private pilot in a tailwheel-equipped airplane. During the landing on a dry, paved runway, the private pilot allowed the airplane to veer to the left of the runway centerline. The instructor then took control in an attempt to realign the airplane, but the airplane ground looped to the left and continued off the left side of the runway.

Post-Impact Sequence

After departing the runway surface, the airplane's main wheels struck a snowbank, causing the airplane to nose over. The impact and subsequent nosing over resulted in structural damage to the wings, wing lift struts, fuselage, and empennage.

Mechanical Condition

Both pilots reported that there were no preaccident mechanical anomalies with the airplane. The aircraft was operating normally prior to the event.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20041215X01988. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.