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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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NTSB Report

April 4, 2009 · American Champion 7GCAA · N224RA

Monterey, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 4, 2009
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Monterey, CA
Aircraft
American Champion 7GCAA
Tail Number
N224RA
Operator
Monterey Bay Aviation
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
WPR09CA178

The wind was variable and shifting from onshore to offshore. After the run-up, the pilot taxied to the hold short line and noted that the wind continued to shift. Immediately after clearing the pilot for takeoff on runway 10R, the controller told the pilot that the winds had shifted and now were from 330 degrees at 6 knots. The pilot noted that she would be taking off with a left quartering tailwind. During the ground roll, she pushed the stick forward to bring the tail up, then she eased up on the forward pressure and the airplane became airborne momentarily. The pilot was attempting to get the airplane into ground effect for more airspeed, but the wind changed direction again and the airplane yawed to the left. She tried to correct, but stated that there was no lift and no altitude, and the airplane was in a nose-up attitude. The nose quickly dropped to the right, and the airplane came to a rest on its belly off to the right side of the runway. The tail wheel and left gear collapsed, the left wing tip was damaged, and the prop struck the ground. The pilot said that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind conditions and failure to attain/maintain an adequate airspeed, which resulted in an aerodynamic stall.

Full Narrative

The wind was variable and shifting from onshore to off-shore. After the run-up, the pilot taxied to the hold short line and noted that the wind continued to shift. Immediately after clearing the pilot for takeoff on runway 10R, the controller told the pilot that the winds had shifted and now were from 330 degrees at 6 knots. The pilot noted that she would be taking off with a left quartering tailwind. During the ground roll, she pushed the stick forward to bring the tail up, then she eased up on the forward pressure, and the airplane became airborne momentarily. The pilot was attempting to get the airplane into ground effect for more airspeed, but the wind changed direction again, and the airplane yawed to the left. She tried to correct, but stated that there was no lift and no altitude, and the airplane was in a nose up attitude. The nose quickly dropped to the right, and the airplane came to a rest on its belly off to the right side of the runway. The tail wheel and left gear collapsed, the left wing tip was damaged, and the prop struck the ground. The pilot said there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:15 PDT
Nearest AirportMONTEREY (0nm)
Runway10R
Runway Length7616 ft
Runway Width150 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftAmerican Champion 7GCAA
Tail NumberN224RA
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorMonterey Bay Aviation
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-B2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 57 · Third Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind10° @ 6 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F / 30 C
Altimeter30.00 inHg
Observation Time17:54
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data