No fatalities

Tailwheel Training Accident During Touch-and-Go Landing

Upland, CA, United States

On March 5, 2015, a CHAMPION 7EC NO SERIES operated by CABLE AIRCRAFT COMPANY INC was involved in an aviation accident near Upland, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 2026-08-03Data APIEditorial standards

During tailwheel instruction, a pilot overcorrected on the seventh touch-and-go landing, causing the aircraft to depart the runway and ground loop, resulting in substantial right wing damage.

Incident Overview

A certificated pilot receiving tailwheel instruction was practicing touch-and-go landings. On the seventh landing, the airplane deviated to the right of the center line. The pilot overcorrected, prompting the flight instructor to take control of the airplane. Subsequently, the right wing struck the ground, and the airplane departed the runway to the left. The aircraft then ground looped, causing substantial damage to the right wing.

Pilot Report

The pilot reported that there were no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.

Damage

Substantial damage occurred to the right wing as a result of the ground loop.

Sequence of Events

  • The pilot was performing touch-and-go landings during tailwheel instruction.
  • On the seventh landing, the airplane drifted right of the runway center line.
  • The pilot overcorrected, leading to the instructor taking control.
  • The right wing struck the ground, and the airplane veered left off the runway.
  • The aircraft ground looped, causing structural damage to the right wing.

Contributing factors

Student/instructed pilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintained

Frequently asked questions

What happened in the 5 Mar 2015 CHAMPION 7EC NO SERIES accident near Upland, CA?

During tailwheel instruction, a pilot overcorrected on the seventh touch-and-go landing, causing the aircraft to depart the runway and ground loop, resulting in substantial right wing damage.

Were there any fatalities in the 5 Mar 2015 CHAMPION 7EC NO SERIES accident?

No fatalities were recorded in this accident.

What aircraft was involved and where did it happen?

The accident on 5 Mar 2015 involved a CHAMPION 7EC NO SERIES, operated by CABLE AIRCRAFT COMPANY INC, at Upland, CA.

What was the probable cause of the accident?

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.