On 1 May 2011, a CHAMPION 7EC-703 operated by HIRSCHFIELD ROBERT J was involved in an aviation accident near Moultonboro, NH. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot reported that a strong wind gust during landing rollout caused a loss of directional control. This summary draws on records from NTSB.
A pilot lost directional control during landing rollout after a strong wind gust, causing the aircraft to veer off the runway and collide with trees, resulting in substantial damage to the wing spars.
Accident Overview
During the landing rollout, a strong wind gust caused the pilot to lose directional control of the airplane. The airplane subsequently veered off the runway and collided with trees. The pilot reported that the wind gust was the direct cause of the loss of control.
Witness and Weather Reports
A witness at the airport confirmed the presence of a weather anomaly at the time of the accident. However, the nearest airport's weather observation system reported that the winds were light and variable at the time of the accident.
Damage Assessment
As a result of the accident sequence, the airplane incurred substantial damage to the wing spars.
Probable cause
The pilot reported that a strong wind gust during landing rollout caused a loss of directional control.
Contributing factors
PilotEffect on operationDirectional control — Not attained/maintained