No fatalities

2 Apr 2020: Champion AERONCA 7FC No Series — Hessel, MI

Hessel, MI, United States

On 2 Apr 2020, a Champion AERONCA 7FC No Series was involved in an aviation accident near Hessel, MI. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during landing in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a snowbank. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 5 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

A tailwheel airplane experienced a wind gust during landing rollout, causing the right wing to rise, a 30-degree turn, and a runway excursion into a snowbank, resulting in a nose-over and substantial damage.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that while performing a three-point full stall landing in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the aircraft encountered a right-quartering headwind of approximately 10 to 15 knots. During the landing rollout, an unanticipated wind gust lifted the right wing, causing the airplane to veer about 30° to the right. The pilot attempted to correct the deviation, but the airplane exited the right side of the runway and contacted a snowbank.

Sequence of Events

Upon contact with the snowbank, the airplane decelerated rapidly and subsequently nosed over. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Damage Assessment

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing and wing strut. No other damage details were provided.

Additional Information

The pilot did not report any injuries. The accident occurred during daylight hours, though the specific time was not recorded. The pilot had not reported any issue with the airplane's controls or systems prior to the event.

Contributing factors

PilotDirectional control — Not attained/maintainedEffect on operation