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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

May 25, 2007 · Champion 7EC · N9904Y

Sioux Falls, SD

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 25, 2007
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Sioux Falls, SD
Aircraft
Champion 7EC
Tail Number
N9904Y
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI07CA155

The airplane impacted the terrain following a loss of control of takeoff. The accident occurred on the pilot's 1,000 foot long private grass airstrip. The pilot reported that the winds were calm when he landed approximately one hour prior to the accident. He stated he checked the windsock prior to takeoff and it was indicating that the winds had increased and there was a left crosswind. The pilot reported the wind at the south end of the runway was stronger than what the wind sock was indicating, and the airplane veered to the right on takeoff because he "...did not correct adequately for the wind." The pilot reported that his altitude was lower than normal and he pulled up to avoid a fence at the end of the property. He stated the airplane stalled and the nose dropped. The airplane impacted the terrain and came to rest about 60 feet from the right side of the airstrip.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and the excessive pull-up during the initial takeoff climb which resulted in the stall. A factor associated with the accident was the crosswind condition.

Full Narrative

On May 25, 2007, at 0810 central daylight time, a Champion 7EC, N9904Y, collided with the terrain following a loss of control during takeoff from a private airstrip in Sioux Falls, South Dakota. The commercial pilot and passenger were not injured. The airplane was substantially damaged. The 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight was operating in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The flight was originating at the time of the accident with a destination of Pipestone, South Dakota. The accident occurred on the pilot's 1,000 foot long private grass airstrip. The pilot reported that the winds were calm when he landed approximately one hour prior to the accident. He stated he checked the windsock prior to takeoff and it was indicating that the winds had increased and there was a left crosswind. The pilot reported the wind at the south end of the runway was stronger than what the wind sock was indicating, and the airplane veered to the right on takeoff because he "...did not correct adequately for the wind." The pilot reported that his altitude was lower than normal and he pulled up to avoid a fence at the end of the property. He stated the airplane stalled and the nose dropped. The airplane impacted the terrain and came to rest about 60 feet from the right side of the airstrip.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:10 CDT
Nearest Airport0nm
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo

Aircraft

AircraftChampion 7EC
Tail NumberN9904Y
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsContinental · C90-12F · Reciprocating

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 49 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind160° @ 5 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point52 / 43 C
Altimeter29.97 inHg
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data