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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 5, 1997 · Champion 7KCAB · N5066X

Hampshire, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 5, 1997
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Hampshire, IL
Aircraft
Champion 7KCAB
Tail Number
N5066X
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI97LA247

The pilot was landing after towing and releasing a glider. The wind was from 020 degrees at 7 knots. The pilot said, 'I landed to the west, runway 27, on the Sky Soaring [airport] grass strip and was slowing down to a speed at which the rudder had lost effectiveness. The airplane started a slight ground loop toward the right (north), which I corrected by use of the left heel brake. But, the airplane was still headed 15 to 20 degrees right of the runway centerline, toward a glider tied down on the north side of the field. I stepped on both heel brakes to stop the forward movement, and the airplane nosed over and ended on its back.' Examination of the wreckage revealed no anomalies. The pilot had only about 7 hours in this make and model of airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during landing, and his excessive use of brakes, which resulted in a nose over. Factors relating to the accident were: the crosswind condition, and the pilot's lack of experience in the make and model of airplane.

Full Narrative

On August 5, 1997, at 1355 central daylight time (cdt), a Champion 7KCAB, N5066X, operated by a private pilot, sustained substantial damage when on landing, control of the airplane was lost. The airplane subsequently nosed over coming to rest on its back. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The aerial towing flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. No flight plan was on file. The pilot reported no injuries. The local flight originated at Hampshire, Illinois, at 1345 cdt. In his written statement, the pilot said that he was landing after towing and releasing a glider. "I landed to the west, runway 27, on the Sky Soaring [airport] grass strip and was slowing down to a speed at which the rudder had lost effectiveness. The airplane started a slight ground loop toward the right (north), which I corrected by use of the left heel brake. But, the airplane was still headed 15 to 20 degrees right of the runway centerline, toward a glider tied down on the north side of the field. I stepped on both heel brakes to stop the forward movement, and the airplane nosed over and ended on its back." The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) inspector who examined the airplane, found the right wing broken at the wing root. The right wing tip was crushed in and aft. Both wing struts were bent inward. The engine cowling was bent upward and broken open. The engine and engine mounts were bent up and aft. One of the two propeller blade was bent aft at the tip. The spinner was crushed inward. The windscreen was cracked and pushed inward. The top of the rudder was crushed inward slightly. Flight control continuity was confirmed. No anomalies were found with the engine, engine controls, brakes or any other airplane system.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:55 CDT
Nearest AirportSky Soaring (1nm W)
Runway27
Runway Length3000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftChampion 7KCAB
Tail NumberN5066X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · IO-320-E2A · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 75 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind20° @ 7 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourceWIT

Appendix: Source Data