Pilot Debrief

Champion AERONCA 7FC near Hessel, MI — 2020-04-02

Final reportCEN20CA138
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Date
2020-04-02
Location
Hessel, MI, USA
Airport
5Y1
Aircraft
Champion AERONCA 7FC
Registration
N3JZ
Category
Airplane
Highest injury
None
Fatalities
0

Probable cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during landing in gusting crosswind conditions, which resulted in a runway excursion and impact with a snowbank.

NTSB narrative

The pilot of a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he attempted a three-point, full-stall landing with a right-quartering headwind of about 10 to 15 knots. During the landing roll, the airplane encountered an unanticipated wind gust that raised the right wing and turned the airplane about 30° to the right. The pilot attempted to correct, but the airplane exited the right side of the runway and impacted a snowbank. The airplane then decelerated rapidly and nosed over. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and wing strut. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB coding

Evidence available

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

Docket documents2

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