# NTSB ANC87LA114: Champion 7ECA, N2644G, Central, AK, August 5, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 4, 1987, 17:00 local (Aug 5, 1987, 01:00 UTC)
- Place: Central, AK
- Coordinates: 65.470794, -145.190017 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=65.4708&lon=-145.1900&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 serious
- Status: Completed, report July 5, 1988
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4884
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC87LA114
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4884/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC87LA114

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- In flight collision with object, maneuvering
  - object - tree(s)
  - low pass - performed, pilot in command (cause)
  - proper altitude - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - qualification, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - judgment - poor, pilot in command (cause)
  - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, maneuvering
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

DURING AN INTERVIEW IN THE HOSPITAL WITH THE PASSENGER WHO WAS THE PILOT'S SON, HE STATED TO THE FAA INSPECTOR THAT HIS DAD WAS LOW LEVEL FLYING WHEN THE AIRCRAFT STRUCK A TREE. THE PILOT LOST CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT AND CRASHED. AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT THE PILOT DID NOT POSSESS EITHER A FAA PILOT OR MEDICAL CERTIFICATE.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2644G](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2644G-2012-09-21), registration cancelled 2012-09-21, S/N 452, built 1967 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CHAMPION 7ECA
- Registry model: [Champion 7ECA](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-7eca) (registry code 21101NN) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 452
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Harold J. Sims
- Registered owner: Harold J. Sims
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: MTF, FIARBANKS, AK

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 57; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,000 total, 2,000 in this make and model, 2,000 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 60 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 64 °F, dew point 59 °F

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19870804042919A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19870804042919A), Aug 4, 1987: Bbavia 7ECA, Central, AK, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. The aircraft hit a tree while flying low to inspect an airstrip.

## Other investigations on N2644G (1)

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

- [NTSB ANC73FAA12](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC73FAA12), Aug 29, 1972: Champion 7ECA (N2644G), Fairbanks, AK, substantial damage

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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