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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

September 7, 1996 · Champion 7GCBC · N9071L

Edgewood, NM

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 7, 1996
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Edgewood, NM
Aircraft
Champion 7GCBC
Tail Number
N9071L
Operator
James N Ray
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW96LA382

The airplane's lift-off appeared to be normal. As it attained an altitude of 5 to 10 feet above the runway, the right wing dropped and the airplane started a right turn. The pilot tried to correct the turn; however, the aircraft settled and impacted the soft ground off the right side of the runway. Subsequently, the aircraft ground looped. In the pilot's opinion, he had encountered a whirlwind.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control. A factor was a whirlwind.

Full Narrative

On September 7, 1996, at 1215 mountain daylight time, a Champion 7GCBC, N9071L, owned and operated by a private owner as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, was substantially damaged during takeoff at Sandia Airpark Estates East Airport near Edgewood, New Mexico. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed. The private pilot and passenger were not injured. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. According to the pilot, the lift off from runway 27 appeared to be normal. As the airplane attained an altitude of 5 to 10 feet above the runway, the "right wing dropped and [the airplane] started a right turn." He tried to correct the turn; however, the aircraft settled and "impacted the soft ground off the right side of the runway," and the "aircraft started to ground loop." In the pilot's "opinion," he had encountered a "whirl wind." Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed that the left wing spar was bent at mid-span, the left main landing gear was separated from the fuselage, and the fuselage was structurally damaged. Attempts to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, were unsuccessful.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:15 MDT
Nearest AirportSandia Airpark Estates (0nm)
Runway27
Runway Length5280 ft
Runway Width30 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftChampion 7GCBC
Tail NumberN9071L
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorJames N Ray
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320 · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 66 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time18:30
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data