Pilot Debrief

Champion 7GCBC near Carbondale, IL — 2020-05-22

Final reportCEN20CA192
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Date
2020-05-22
Location
Carbondale, IL, USA
Airport
MDH
Aircraft
Champion 7GCBC
Registration
N5183X
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's excessive brake input while he attempted to maintain directional control during landing roll.

NTSB narrative

The pilot reported that the accident occurred during a wheel landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane on a hard surface runway. The pilot stated that upon touchdown the airplane began to swerve side-to-side due to the airplane's "natural instability" on the ground. The pilot attempted to maintain directional control by pulling full aft on the control stick and applying maximum braking; however, his excessive brake input while the airplane was in a level pitch attitude caused the airplane to pitch down and the propeller to impact the runway before the airplane pivoted back onto the tailwheel. The airplane came to rest upright on the runway. The tailwheel crushed the lower portion of the rudder when it landed hard on the runway. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A postaccident examination confirmed flight control continuity and found no issues with the wheel brakes or the tailwheel.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

  • Photos
  • 6 docket documents
View NTSB final reportView NTSB docket

Docket documents6

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