N36268

Substantial
None

Champion 7ECAS/N: 963-73

Accident Details

Date
Friday, October 5, 2018
NTSB Number
GAA19CA019
Location
Cleveland, TX
Event ID
20181009X01408
Coordinates
30.336389, -94.939445
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 while landing in a gusting crosswind conditions.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N36268
Make
CHAMPION
Serial Number
963-73
Year Built
1973
Model / ICAO
7ECA

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
FALTERMAN PATRICK J
Address
380 COUNTY ROAD 2223-B
Status
Deregistered
City
CLEVELAND
State / Zip Code
TX 77327
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that, while landing on a private grass airstrip, in a crosswind, a gust from the right made the tailwheel-equipped airplane weathervane into the wind. He added that, while correcting for the crosswind, the airplane drifted left, and the left main landing gear sunk into soft ground. The airplane pivoted left, the right main landing gear exited the runway, and the airplane nosed over.

The airplane sustained substantial damage to the right wing, right wing spar, and the left wing lift strut.

The pilot reported that the wind was variable at 10 knots, gusting 15 knots.

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# GAA19CA019