Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
the pilot's inadequate compensation for winds and his failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a ground loop and dragging of the wing on the runway.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
On July 17, 1996, at 1052 eastern daylight time, an American Champion 7EC, N8910R, was substantially damaged after landing at the Skyhaven Airport, Rochester, New Hampshire. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated at Hampton, New Hampshire, about 1030. No flight plan had been filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector interviewed the pilot. In the Inspector's statement, he said:
"...The pilot landed on runway 33 at the Skyhaven Airport in wind conditions he estimated were from 300 degrees at 8 knots As the aircraft decelerated, the pilot lowered the tail to the runway. Approaching a taxiway, a gust of wind caused the airplane to 'weathervane.' The airplane departed the left side of the runway and ground looped."
Examination of the wreckage by the FAA Inspector revealed no preimpact failure of the airplane's controls.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# NYC96LA151