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NTSB Report

January 4, 2003 · Champion 7FC · N5271V

Springdale, AR

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
January 4, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Springdale, AR
Aircraft
Champion 7FC
Tail Number
N5271V
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW03LA078

The 1,377-hour pilot was not able to maintain directional control while landing on Runway 18. The pilot reported that as the tail came down, the aircraft weathervaned into the wind, heading off the runway towards a deep ditch. The pilot was able to fly the aircraft over the ditch, and the aircraft came to rest when the left main landing gear separated after colliding with a shallow ditch adjacent to a service road. At the time of the accident, the winds were reported from 240 degrees at 10 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control while landing. A contributing factor was the prevailing crosswind.

Full Narrative

On January 4, 2003, at 1135 central standard time, a Champion 7FC tailwheel-equipped airplane, N5271V, was substantially damaged during a ground loop while landing at the Springdale Municipal Airport (ASG), near Springdale, Arkansas. The instrument rated commercial pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed throughout the area for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight. A flight plan was not filed for the pleasure flight. The local flight originated from the Bentonville Municipal Airport (VBT), near Bentonville, Arkansas, at 1120. The 1,377-hour pilot, who had accumulated 30 hours in the accident aircraft, reported that he had been cleared for a straight-in approach to Runway 18 at the ASG airport. The pilot stated, "Touchdown was normal, with the right wheel first, followed a few seconds later by the left. As the tail came down, the aircraft weathervaned into the wind, heading off the runway towards a deep ditch." The pilot was able to fly the aircraft over the ditch, and the aircraft came to rest when the left main landing gear separated after colliding with a shallow ditch adjacent to a service road. Examination of the wreckage revealed that the left wing sustained structural damage, the left landing gear was torn-off the fuselage, the propeller and engine cowling were damaged, and the fuselage was missed aligned. At the time of the accident, the winds at ASG were reported from 240 degrees at 10 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, sky clear, temperature at 16 degrees Celsius, dewpoint 0 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 29.95 inches of Mercury. The density altitude was calculated by the Investigator-in-Charge at 1,763 feet.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:35 CST
Nearest AirportSpringdale Municipal Airport (0nm)
Runway180
Runway Length5302 ft
Runway Width75 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftChampion 7FC
Tail NumberN5271V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C90-12F · Reciprocating · 90
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind240° @ 10 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 32 C
Altimeter29.95 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data