N8353V

On October 15, 1999, at 1905 eastern daylight time, a Champion 7ECA, N8353V, collided with a tree following a loss of control during a landing roll on runway 27 (3,200' x 75', asphalt) at the Abrams Municipal Airport, Grand Ledge, Michigan. The private pilot was not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The 14 CFR Part 91 local flight originated from Grand Ledge, Michigan, at 1855 edt.

The pilot reported he made two touch and go landings on runway 18, turf, prior to landing on runway 27. He said the southerly wind had decreased and he kept the "...wing lowered..." during the approach. He reported the airplane touched down "lightly" and "floated" for about 100 feet when a gust of wind from 170 degrees caused the airplane to weather-vane to a heading 45 degrees from the runway. The pilot reported he applied throttle and right rudder, but the airplane departed the south side of the runway into the grass. He reported he applied brakes; however, the right wing of the airplane contacted a tree which was located approximately 75 feet off the side of the runway. The right main gear collapsed and the airplane came to rest in the grass.

The winds reported at the Capital City Airport, Lansing, Michigan, at 1855 edt, were from 170 degrees at 10 knots gusting to 19 knots. At 1955 edt, the winds were reported as being from 170 degrees at 12 knots. The Capital City Airport is located approximately 8 miles east of the Abrams Municipal Airport.