On February 8, 2007, an American Champion 7GCBC (registration N711AT) was involved in an aviation accident near Deland, FL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during the landing flare, resulting in an in-flight collision with soft terrain, and a collapse of the right main landing gear. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot overcorrected during flare on approach to a grass airstrip, causing the right landing gear to strike a soft sandy area and collapse.
Incident Details
The accident occurred while the pilot was on approach to a grass airstrip for a full stop landing. During the flare, the airplane deviated slightly south of the runway centerline. The pilot applied a correction, but the airplane responded more quickly than anticipated and overshot the centerline.
Pilot Statement
While attempting to correct the overshoot, the right landing gear contacted and became stuck in a soft sandy spot on the runway. The gear leg collapsed, bringing the airplane to a stop. The pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions of the airplane or any of its systems prior to the accident.