N224RA

Substantial
None

American Champion 7GCAAS/N: 4832004

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, April 4, 2009
NTSB Number
WPR09CA178
Location
Monterey, CA
Event ID
20090404X71233
Coordinates
36.585556, -121.838890
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and failure to attain/maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
AMERICAN CHAMPION
Serial Number
4832004
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
7GCAACH7B
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
7GCAA

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
SIERRA WHISKEY AIRCRAFT LLC
Address
5844 OCEAN VIEW DR
City
OAKLAND
State / Zip Code
CA 94618-1535
Country
United States

Analysis

The wind was variable and shifting from onshore to off-shore. After the run-up, the pilot taxied to the hold short line and noted that the wind continued to shift. Immediately after clearing the pilot for takeoff on runway 10R, the controller told the pilot that the winds had shifted and now were from 330 degrees at 6 knots. The pilot noted that she would be taking off with a left quartering tailwind. During the ground roll, she pushed the stick forward to bring the tail up, then she eased up on the forward pressure, and the airplane became airborne momentarily. The pilot was attempting to get the airplane into ground effect for more airspeed, but the wind changed direction again, and the airplane yawed to the left. She tried to correct, but stated that there was no lift and no altitude, and the airplane was in a nose up attitude. The nose quickly dropped to the right, and the airplane came to a rest on its belly off to the right side of the runway. The tail wheel and left gear collapsed, the left wing tip was damaged, and the prop struck the ground. The pilot said there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR09CA178