N80RK

Substantial
Serious

AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT 7GCBCS/N: 1226-96

Accident Details

Date
Sunday, May 29, 2016
NTSB Number
ERA16CA197
Location
Warner, NH
Event ID
20160531X11910
Coordinates
43.253612, -71.864440
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Serious
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
1
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
0
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

An encounter with instrument meteorological conditions, which resulted in the pilot's spatial disorientation and a loss of airplane control.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N80RK
Make
AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT
Serial Number
1226-96
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1996
Model / ICAO
7GCBCCH7B
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
RALPH DAVID L
Address
25 WELCOME ST
Status
Deregistered
City
GREAT BARRINGTON
State / Zip Code
MA 01230-1103
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that he was conducting a local sightseeing flight in visual meteorological conditions when the airplane inadvertently entered instrument meteorological conditions. While maneuvering, he lost visual reference with the ground. The airplane entered a steep descending turn, and collided with trees. Both wings separated from the airframe and the fuselage was crushed. Weather conditions reported at an airport that was located about 17 nautical miles from the accident site, included, overcast clouds at 1,100 feet above ground level. The elevation of the accident site was about 1,700 feet mean sea level. The pilot reported that he experienced no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# ERA16CA197