N2540F

Substantial
None

AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT 7GCAAS/N: 96

Accident Details

Date
Monday, January 16, 2017
NTSB Number
GAA17CA115
Location
Bainbridge, GA
Event ID
20170116X45804
Coordinates
30.971666, -84.636947
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The student pilot's exceedance of the airplane’s critical angle of attack during final approach, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall, and his subsequent loss of directional control after touchdown.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT
Serial Number
96
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1965
Model / ICAO
7GCAACH7B
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
7GCAA

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
MCGUIRES FLYING SERVICE LLC
Address
3499 JIM CARVER RD
City
OBION
State / Zip Code
TN 38240-4437
Country
United States

Analysis

The solo student pilot in a tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he had completed five touch-and-go landings and maneuvers in the local area before returning for a full stop landing. He reported that while on final approach about 50 feet above ground, he reduced throttle to idle, allowed the airspeed to slow, and the left wing dropped abruptly. The left main landing gear touched down on the runway, the airplane veered to the left into grass, and nosed over.

The left wing lift strut and the rudder sustained substantial damage.

The student pilot did not report any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

The student pilot failed to submit the National Transportation Safety Board Form 6120.1 Pilot/ Operator Aircraft Accident/ Incident Report.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# GAA17CA115