# NTSB ANC97LA123: Champion 7ECA, N5507H, Kaktovik, AK, August 14, 1997

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 14, 1997, 07:30 local (15:30 UTC)
- Place: Kaktovik, AK
- Coordinates: 70.119628, -143.659622 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=70.1196&lon=-143.6596&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report November 10, 1998
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 3045
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC97LA123
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/3045/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC97LA123

## Probable cause

The pilot's selection of an unsuitable takeoff area.  A factor related to the accident was the rocky terrain.

## Sequence of events

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

- Tail gear collapsed, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - sand bar (contributing factor)
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - landing gear,tailwheel assembly - separation

## Analysis

During takeoff from a rough gravel bar, the tailwheel impacted a rock and separated from the airplane.  The rudder sustained damage to the lower ribs.

## Factual narrative

On August 14, 1997, at 0730 Alaska daylight time, an American Champion 7ECA Citabria, N5507H, sustained substantial damage when it contacted terrain during takeoff from a gravel bar on the Hulahula River, about 50 miles south of Kaktovik, Alaska, at position 69-03.2 north latitude, 144-35.3 west longitude.  The private certificated pilot and single passenger were uninjured.  The flight was conducted under 14 CFR Part 91 as the return leg to Fairbanks, Alaska, from a sheep hunting trip.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident, and an extended flight plan had been filed with two other pilots.

The pilot stated that the airplane hit a rock during the start of the takeoff roll, and separated the tailwheel.  He initiated rescue by turning on his Emergency Locator Transmitter, and was recovered by a helicopter from the North Slope Borough.

Inspection of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed damage to lower ribs in the rudder.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N5507H](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N5507H), registered now, S/N 1273-78, built 1978 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Champion 7ECA
- Registry model: [Bellanca 7ECA](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-7eca) (registry code 1220460) (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: 1273-78
- Engines: Lycoming O-235 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Steve Donald Campbell
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: FAI, FAIRBANKS, AK
- Destination: FAI, AK
- Flight plan: Company VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 278 total, 278 in this make and model, 278 as pilot in command, 17 in the last 90 days, 14 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 5 knots
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 50 °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 19970814025779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19970814025779A), Aug 14, 1997: Bbavia 7ECA, Kaktovik, AK, Substantial damage. (.4)During takeoff from a rough gravel bar, the tailwheel impacted a rock and separated from the airplane. The rudder sustained damage to the lower ribs.

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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