Aviation Accident Summaries

Aviation Accident Summary GAA18CA025

Gerlach, NV, USA

Aircraft #1

N7589E

CHAMPION 7GC

Analysis

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge, the pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during a wheel landing, the wind shifted from a crosswind to a quartering tailwind. He further reported that he applied full aft elevator but lost control of the pitch when the wind shifted, and the airplane nosed over about 5 to 10 knots groundspeed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and vertical stabilizer. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot did not submit the NTSB Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report.

Factual Information

During a telephone conversation with the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) investigator-in-charge, the pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during a wheel landing, the wind shifted from a crosswind to a quartering tailwind. He further reported that, he had full aft elevator applied, but lost control of the pitch when the wind shifted, and the airplane nosed over about 5 to 10 knots groundspeed. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and vertical stabilizer. The pilot did not report that there were any preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation. The pilot did not submit the NTSB Form 6120.1 Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident/Incident Report.

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's incorrect pitch control during the landing roll in shifting wind conditions, which resulted in a nose-over.

 

Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database

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