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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

August 19, 1996 · Champion 7ECA · N9542S

Lander, WY

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 19, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Lander, WY
Aircraft
Champion 7ECA
Tail Number
N9542S
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
SEA96LA191

The pilot reported that he had just been checked out in the tail-wheel equipped airplane by his flight instructor. He decided to practice touch-and-go landings. During the first solo landing, a gust of wind raised the right wing, and the airplane veered to the right. The pilot stated that he added full power, and the airplane became airborne. The pilot leveled the wings; however, the airplane did not gain sufficient altitude to clear the airport perimeter fence. It settled to the ground, and during the landing roll, the landing gear collapsed and both wings were damaged. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical failure or malfunction with the airplane before the accident. The wind was reported to be variable at 3 gusting 10 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. Factors relating to the accident were: the variable and gusty wind conditions.

Full Narrative

On August 19, 1996, at 0700 mountain daylight time, a Champion 7ECA, N9542S, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with an airport boundary fence after the pilot was unable to maintain control of the airplane during the landing at Hunt Field, Lander, Wyoming. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The pilot reported that he had just been checked out in the tail-wheel equipped airplane by his flight instructor. After the pilot dropped the flight instructor off, he decided to practice touch-and-go landings by himself. The pilot stated that during the first solo landing, a gust of wind raised the right wing and the airplane suddenly veered to the right. The pilot stated that he added full power and the airplane became airborne. The pilot was able to level the wings, however, the airplane did not gain sufficient altitude to clear the airport perimeter fence. The landing gear struck the fence and the airplane settled to the ground. During the landing roll the landing gear collapsed and both wings were damaged. The pilot reported that the engine was running at the time of the collision and he reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time07:00 MDT
Nearest AirportHunt Field (0nm)
Runway3
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftChampion 7ECA
Tail NumberN9542S
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · O-200 · Reciprocating · 100
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 48 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind3 kt, gusting 10 kt
Visibility50 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 20000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 39 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time12:50
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data