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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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May 22, 2020 · Champion 7GCBC No Series · N5183X

Carbondale, IL

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 22, 2020
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Carbondale, IL
Aircraft
Champion 7GCBC No Series (1969)
Tail Number
N5183X
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN20CA192

The pilot reported that the accident occurred during a wheel landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane on a hard surface runway. The pilot stated that upon touchdown the airplane began to swerve side-to-side due to the airplane's "natural instability" on the ground. The pilot attempted to maintain directional control by pulling full aft on the control stick and applying maximum braking; however, his excessive brake input while the airplane was in a level pitch attitude caused the airplane to pitch down and the propeller to impact the runway before the airplane pivoted back onto the tailwheel. The airplane came to rest upright on the runway. The tailwheel crushed the lower portion of the rudder when it landed hard on the runway. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A postaccident examination confirmed flight control continuity and found no issues with the wheel brakes or the tailwheel.

NTSB Probable Cause

Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Surface speed/braking-Incorrect use/operation - C

Full Narrative

The pilot reported that the accident occurred during a wheel landing in the tailwheel-equipped airplane on a hard surface runway. The pilot stated that upon touchdown the airplane began to swerve side-to-side due to the airplane's "natural instability" on the ground. The pilot attempted to maintain directional control by pulling full aft on the control stick and applying maximum braking; however, his excessive brake input while the airplane was in a level pitch attitude caused the airplane to pitch down and the propeller to impact the runway before the airplane pivoted back onto the tailwheel. The airplane came to rest upright on the runway. The tailwheel crushed the lower portion of the rudder when it landed hard on the runway. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. A postaccident examination confirmed flight control continuity and found no issues with the wheel brakes or the tailwheel.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:23 CDT
Nearest AirportSouthern Illinois Airport (0nm)
Runway18R
Runway Length3498 ft
Runway Width60 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftChampion 7GCBC No Series
Tail NumberN5183X
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 160
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 24 · First Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind70° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point61 F
Altimeter29.96 inHg
Observation Time16:32
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data