What happened
On September 22, 2019, during the 10th Aerial Encounter at the Villa Cañás Aerodrome in Santa Fe, an Aeronca Champion 7-EC, registration LV-FRL, was performing a flight demonstration. While taxiing toward the runway 32 threshold, the pilot executed an intentional right-hand spin as part of the exhibition. During this maneuver, the aircraft's tail lifted, causing the propeller to strike the ground. The aircraft continued to pivot on its vertical axis before dropping abruptly onto its tail section. The pilot stopped the engine and moved the aircraft off the runway. The incident resulted in no injuries to the pilot, but the aircraft sustained damage to the propeller and the empennage.
The investigation
The investigation examined the dynamics of the aircraft's conventional landing gear and the environmental conditions at the time of the event. Investigators noted that the aircraft was properly maintained and within weight and balance limits, and the pilot held a valid commercial license. Meteorological data indicated a 15-knot wind from 050°. The investigation also identified that the aircraft was removed from the site without authorization from the previous aviation investigation authority and that the event was not reported in a timely manner. Additionally, a discrepancy was found in the official aerodrome coordinates published in the MADHEL.
Findings
- The primary cause of the incident was the excessive inertia generated during the intentional spin, which, combined with low taxi speed and high engine RPM, caused the tail to lift.
- The pilot's position in the front seat shifted the center of gravity forward, increasing the tendency for the aircraft to pitch.
- A 15-knot wind contributed to the tail-up tendency.
- The use of specific flight controls and braking during the turn facilitated the loss of tail stability.
Safety action
- The investigation highlighted the necessity for pilots of conventional gear aircraft to use proper elevator controls during taxiing to prevent tail lifting.
- The findings emphasize the legal obligation to report aviation occurrences promptly and to preserve wreckage until authorized by the authorities.
- A recommendation was noted regarding the need for the National Civil Aviation Administration to review the accuracy of the Aerodrome and Heliport Manual.