Casualties unknown

2004-12-29: Champion 7-GCAA (N9588S) — Ronnie Geurin — Talladega, AL

Talladega, AL, US

On December 29, 2004, a Champion 7-GCAA (registration N9588S) operated by Ronnie Geurin was involved in an aviation accident near Talladega, AL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The binding right wheel brake that resulted in a loss of control during landing roll. A factor was the drainage ditch. 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

Upon landing, the airplane veered aggressively right. Full left rudder and power failed to correct. It crossed a taxiway and hit a ditch. The right main wheel had drag from new brake pucks but was not locked.

Pilot Report

The pilot of the airplane reported that during a three-point landing, the aircraft deviated aggressively to the right. He applied full left rudder input but observed no change in direction. Subsequently, he applied full engine power in an attempt to regain rudder control, which also proved ineffective. The airplane continued its rightward trajectory, crossing a taxiway before coming to a stop after impacting a drainage ditch.

Pre-Landing Conditions

The pilot stated that no flight control anomalies were noted prior to the landing. He had recently received his tailwheel endorsement and had accumulated approximately 23 hours of total flight time in that specific airplane.

Mechanical Examination

A local mechanic examined the right main landing gear following the incident. The brake pucks were found to be new. The right main wheel exhibited some resistance to rotation due to the new brakes; however, the wheel was not locked. The mechanic noted that the wheel did not "turn freely" but was not seized.

Probable Cause

No probable cause was stated in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20050201X00122. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.