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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

October 15, 1999 · Champion 7ECA · N8353V

Grand Ledge, MI

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 15, 1999
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Grand Ledge, MI
Aircraft
Champion 7ECA
Tail Number
N8353V
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI00LA011

The pilot made two touch and go landings on runway 18, prior to landing on runway 27. He said the southerly wind had decreased and he kept the '...wing lowered...' during the approach. The airplane touched down 'lightly' and 'floated' for about 100 feet when a gust of wind from 170 degrees caused the airplane to weather-vane to a heading 45 degrees from the runway. The pilot attempted remedial action, but the airplane departed the south side of the runway into the grass where the right wing contacted and tree and the right main gear collapsed. Winds reported 10 minutes prior to the accident at an airport 8 miles east of the accident airport were from 170 degrees at 10 knots gusting to 19 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions. Factors associated with the accident were the gusty crosswind and the tree which the airplane contacted.

Full Narrative

On October 15, 1999, at 1905 eastern daylight time, a Champion 7ECA, N8353V, collided with a tree following a loss of control during a landing roll on runway 27 (3,200' x 75', asphalt) at the Abrams Municipal Airport, Grand Ledge, Michigan. The private pilot was not injured and the airplane was substantially damaged. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was filed. The 14 CFR Part 91 local flight originated from Grand Ledge, Michigan, at 1855 edt. The pilot reported he made two touch and go landings on runway 18, turf, prior to landing on runway 27. He said the southerly wind had decreased and he kept the "...wing lowered..." during the approach. He reported the airplane touched down "lightly" and "floated" for about 100 feet when a gust of wind from 170 degrees caused the airplane to weather-vane to a heading 45 degrees from the runway. The pilot reported he applied throttle and right rudder, but the airplane departed the south side of the runway into the grass. He reported he applied brakes; however, the right wing of the airplane contacted a tree which was located approximately 75 feet off the side of the runway. The right main gear collapsed and the airplane came to rest in the grass. The winds reported at the Capital City Airport, Lansing, Michigan, at 1855 edt, were from 170 degrees at 10 knots gusting to 19 knots. At 1955 edt, the winds were reported as being from 170 degrees at 12 knots. The Capital City Airport is located approximately 8 miles east of the Abrams Municipal Airport.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time19:05 EDT
Nearest AirportAbrams Municipal (0nm)
Runway27
Runway Length3200 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftChampion 7ECA
Tail NumberN8353V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-C1 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
Wind170° @ 10 kt, gusting 19 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point64 F / 52
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time22:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data