15 May 2010: CHAMPION 7BCM — Kingston, TN

No fatalitiesKingston, TN, United States

A pilot sustained injuries after landing a tailwheel aircraft on an unmowed grassy area adjacent to a runway.

What happened

On May 15, 2010, a Champion 7BCM aircraft, registration N1415E, was landing at an airport in Kingston, Tennessee. The pilot, who had not visited this specific airport in several years, chose to land on the grass rather than the available paved runway. Based on a previous visit, the pilot intended to use the grassy area located to the left of the runway.

While the area appeared suitable from the air, the pilot discovered upon touchdown that the grass had not been mowed and reached a height of over waist deep. As the main landing gear made contact with the tall vegetation, the aircraft experienced a nose-over. The pilot sustained one serious injury, specifically a fractured vertebrae, and was not killed in the accident.

While the airport typically utilizes a mowed area on the right side of the runway for grass operations, the pilot instead selected the unmaintained area on the left.

Probable cause

The accident was caused by the pilot choosing an unsuitable landing surface consisting of excessively tall grass.

Contributing factors

Causes

Pilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on equipment