8 Mar 2008: American Champion (ACAC) 7GCAA — West Valley Flying Club

8 Mar 2008: American Champion (ACAC) 7GCAA — West Valley Flying Club

No fatalities • Tracy, CA, United States

Probable cause

The flight instructor's inadequate compensation for the tailwind condition and failure to maintain adequate airspeed that led to an inadvertent stall.

— NTSB Determination

Accident narrative

The certified flight instructor (CFI) was demonstrating a simulated engine failure during takeoff initial climb by executing a 180-degree turn back to the airport. As the CFI was completing the maneuver, he initiated a go-around by applying full power. Subsequently the airplane stalled and impacted the runway in a left wing low attitude. The CFI stated he was aware of the tailwind condition he would encounter as the airplane completed the 180-degree turn and that upon exiting the airplane, he noted the wind to be considerably higher than he had expected. Examination of the airplane revealed that the left and right wings sustained substantial damage. No anomalies were noted with the engine or flight control systems.

Contributing factors

  • Tailwind
  • cause Airspeed — Not attained/maintained
  • cause Crosswind correction — Not attained/maintained

Conditions

Weather
VMC, wind 340/07kt, vis 10sm

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