Summary
On May 15, 2010, a American Champion Aircraft 7GCBC (N720AC) was involved in an incident near Glens Falls, NY. All 1 person aboard were uninjured. The aircraft sustained substantial damage.
The National Transportation Safety Board determined the probable cause of this incident to be: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a takeoff attempt.
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane stated that the purpose of the flight was to conduct touch-and-go landings on a north-oriented grass runway. After the first landing, he "misjudged the remaining takeoff distance" and was "a bit slow while trying to get airborne." As the airplane lifted off, it encountered a "gust" of wind from the left, then drifted to the right, contacted the runway, and nosed over. The airplane came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing spar and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures. The automated weather report at the accident airport reported winds from 330 degrees at 9 knots.
This incident is documented in NTSB report ERA10CA269. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N720AC.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during a takeoff attempt.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane stated that the purpose of the flight was to conduct touch-and-go landings on a north-oriented grass runway. After the first landing, he "misjudged the remaining takeoff distance" and was "a bit slow while trying to get airborne." As the airplane lifted off, it encountered a "gust" of wind from the left, then drifted to the right, contacted the runway, and nosed over. The airplane came to rest inverted, resulting in substantial damage to the left wing spar and horizontal stabilizer. The pilot reported there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures. The automated weather report at the accident airport reported winds from 330 degrees at 9 knots.
Data Source
Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA10CA269