Summary
On August 25, 2018, a Champion 7GCBC (N7618S) was involved in an incident near Ocklawaha, FL. All 2 people 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 landing.
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, a wind gust from the right side caused the airplane to weathervane. The airplane veered to the right off the runway, ground looped to the right, and the left wing and elevator impacted the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator.
The pilot added that he is a "very experienced pilot, but very inexperienced with tailwheel operations."
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 GAA18CA517. AviatorDB cross-references NTSB investigation data with FAA registry records to provide comprehensive safety information for aircraft N7618S.
Accident Details
Probable Cause and Findings
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.
Aircraft Information
Registered Owner (Current)
Analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, a wind gust from the right side caused the airplane to weathervane. The airplane veered to the right off the runway, ground looped to the right, and the left wing and elevator impacted the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator.
The pilot added that he is a "very experienced pilot, but very inexperienced with tailwheel operations."
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# GAA18CA517