No fatalities

14 Nov 2014: CHAMPION 7ECA NO SERIES — San Diego, CA

San Diego, CA, United States

On 14 Nov 2014, a CHAMPION 7ECA NO SERIES was involved in an aviation accident near San Diego, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot inadvertently actuated the left brake after his left foot became entangled in the rudder pedal and control cable during the takeoff roll. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During takeoff roll in a tailwheel airplane, the pilot's left foot became entangled in the rudder pedal and control cable, causing inadvertent left brake actuation and a ground loop that resulted in structural fuselage damage.

Accident Overview

A pilot reported that during the takeoff roll in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, his left foot became entangled in the rudder pedal and control cable. This entanglement led to inadvertent actuation of the left brake. The pilot subsequently lost control of the airplane and a ground loop occurred, resulting in structural damage to the fuselage.

Pilot Report

According to the pilot, no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures were present that would have precluded normal operation. The incident was solely attributed to the foot entanglement and the unintended brake application.

Damage

The ground loop caused structural damage to the fuselage. No other damage details were provided.

Probable Cause

The pilot reported that the inadvertent actuation of the left brake occurred when his left foot became entangled in the rudder pedal and control cable during the takeoff roll.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained