N2537FCHAMPION 7ECA2017-06-15 NTSB Accident Report

Substantial
None

CHAMPION 7ECAS/N: 159

Summary

On June 15, 2017, a Champion 7ECA (N2537F) was involved in an incident near Van Nuys, CA. 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 the landing roll.

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane drifted to the right and he corrected with rudder, but then the airplane "started to pull" to the left. He added that his "rudder input failed to stop the plane from continuing to the left", the airplane ground looped to the left, and the right wing tip hit the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

This incident is documented in NTSB report GAA17CA413. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N2537F.

Accident Details

Date
Thursday, June 15, 2017
NTSB Number
GAA17CA413
Location
Van Nuys, CA
Event ID
20170718X25017
Coordinates
34.211944, -118.490554
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
1

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CHAMPION
Serial Number
159
Year Built
1965
Model / ICAO
7ECA

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
3011 W BUCKEYE RD
Status
Deregistered
City
PHOENIX
State / Zip Code
AZ 85009-5734
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during the landing roll, the airplane drifted to the right and he corrected with rudder, but then the airplane "started to pull" to the left. He added that his "rudder input failed to stop the plane from continuing to the left", the airplane ground looped to the left, and the right wing tip hit the ground.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions 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# GAA17CA413