N822TT

Substantial
None

Champion 7GCBCS/N: 351-72

Accident Details

Date
Wednesday, January 16, 2019
NTSB Number
WPR19CA069
Location
Townsend, MT
Event ID
20190119X92554
Coordinates
46.308055, -111.537780
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 airplane control during a precautionary landing on an uneven, soft surface.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
CHAMPION
Serial Number
351-72
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Model / ICAO
7GCBCCH7B
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
7GCBC

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
ROBINSON DONALD S
Address
PO BOX 282
City
UNDERWOOD
State / Zip Code
ND 58576-0282
Country
United States

Analysis

The private pilot reported that during the local pleasure flight the engine started to run rough and he thought that it was as a result of carburetor ice. The pilot applied carburetor heat and after about 3 minutes the engine still did not seem like it was running smoothly. The pilot initiated a climb, however the airplane would not gain altitude so he opted to make a precautionary landing on a sandbar in a river. After touch down on the rough and bumpy surface, the pilot applied braking action. The airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted after the wheels dug into an area of soft sand.

The wings and the left side lift strut were substantially damaged.

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

The nearest weather reporting facility was located about 27 nautical miles to the northwest of the accident site. About the time of the accident, the reported temperature of 30oF and dew point of 16oF was at the edge of the range on the carburetor probability chart of icing at glide and cruise power.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# WPR19CA069