N86614

Substantial
Minor

Champion 7GCBCS/N: 644-74

Accident Details

Date
Saturday, July 25, 2020
NTSB Number
CEN20CA310
Location
Angola, IN
Event ID
20200725X21035
Coordinates
41.636665, -85.086112
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
Minor
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
1
Uninjured
1
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain control of the airplane during a low-level pass, resulting in the airplane exceeding its critical angle of attack that caused an aerodynamic stall and subsequent impact with terrain. Contributing to the accident was the pilot's distraction during the low-level pass.

Aircraft Information

Registration
N86614
Make
CHAMPION
Serial Number
644-74
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1974
Model / ICAO
7GCBCCH7B
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1

Registered Owner (Historical)

Name
SALE REPORTED
Address
7668 CASS CITY RD
Status
Deregistered
City
CASS CITY
State / Zip Code
MI 48726-9797
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that while performing a low-level pass parallel to the runway in the airplane, he allowed himself to become distracted. The airplane started drifting to the right and he found himself, "fighting the controls not realizing I cross controlled the control surfaces." The pilot felt a sink develop and applied full power with right rudder, but the right wing "unloaded." The pilot attempted to recover; however, he reported the airplane was too low and slow, an aerodynamic stall occurred, and the airplane impacted a grass field. The airplane, which was not equipped with a stall warning system nor was it required to be, sustained substantial damage to the right wing and the fuselage. The pilot reported there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airframe and engine 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# CEN20CA310