No fatalities

25 Aug 2018: Champion 7GCBC No Series — Ocklawaha, FL

Ocklawaha, FL, United States

On 25 Aug 2018, a Champion 7GCBC No Series was involved in an aviation accident near Ocklawaha, FL. 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 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During landing, a wind gust caused a tailwheel-equipped airplane to weathervane, veer off the runway, and ground loop, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing and elevator.

Accident Details

According to the pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the accident occurred during the landing phase. As the airplane touched down, a wind gust from the right side caused the aircraft to weathervane into the wind. The airplane subsequently veered to the right off the runway and executed a ground loop to the right. During the ground loop, the left wing and left elevator impacted the ground.

Damage

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator. No other damage was reported.

Pilot Comments

The pilot stated that he is a "very experienced pilot, but very inexperienced with tailwheel operations." He also reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Contributing factors

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot