N3662E

Substantial
Serious

American Champion Aircraft 7ACS/N: 7AC-6977

Accident Details

Date
Monday, October 17, 2011
NTSB Number
ERA12CA035
Location
Berkley, MA
Event ID
20111017X94414
Coordinates
41.836944, -71.022499
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot did not maintain clearance from a tree during the final approach in solar glare conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N3662E
Make
AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT
Serial Number
7AC-6977
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1947
Model / ICAO
7ACCH7B
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
COOPER DOUGLAS S
Address
11 PAWTUCKET AVE
Status
Deregistered
City
BRISTOL
State / Zip Code
RI 02809-4737
Country
United States

Analysis

According to police officers who responded to the accident site, the pilot reported encountering solar glare during landing on runway 27. The airplane impacted a tree on the right edge of the approach end of runway 27, then impacted the ground and came to rest inverted about 140 feet from the tree contact location. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector, who examined the airplane after the accident, found no evidence of mechanical malfunction or anomalies with the airplane. The inspector reported damage to the engine firewall, fuselage, and right wing. Despite several attempts to contact the pilot, no statement could be obtained, and the pilot did not complete the NTSB Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report Form, 6120.1. According to U.S. Naval Observatory sun and moon data for the day of the accident, sunset occurred at 1800, approximately 45 minutes after the accident.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA12CA035