# NTSB CHI93LA328: Champion 7GCAA, N11027, Wilber, NE, August 20, 1993

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Minor injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: August 19, 1993, 19:00 local (Aug 20, 1993, 00:00 UTC)
- Place: Wilber, NE
- Coordinates: 40.480262, -96.960075 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=40.4803&lon=-96.9601&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Minor injuries
- Injuries: 2 minor
- Status: Completed, report July 25, 1994
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 9286
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI93LA328
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/9286/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI93LA328

## Probable cause

the loss of engine power for an undetermined reason.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of engine power, takeoff - initial climb
  - reason for occurrence undetermined (cause)
- Forced landing, descent - emergency
- In flight collision with object, descent - emergency
  - object - tree(s)

## Analysis

THE PILOT STATED THE AIRPLANE ENGINE SPUTTERED AND THEN LOST POWER ABOUT 100 TO 150 FEET ABOVE THE GROUND DURING INITIAL CLIMB.  THE AIRPLANE STRUCK TREES DURING THE EMERGENCY DESCENT/FORCED LANDING.  POSTACCIDENT EXAMINATION AND ENGINE TEST RUN REVEALED NO EVIDENCE OF PREIMPACT MECHANICAL MALFUNCTION.

## Factual narrative

On August 19, 1993, at 1900 hours central daylight time, a Champion 7GCAA, N11027, piloted by the private pilot/airplane co-owner, experienced a loss of engine power during the initial climbout after performing a touch and go landing at Wilber, Nebraska.  The airplane sustained substantial damage when it collided with trees during the ensuing forced landing.  The pilot and one passenger reported no injuries.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, no flight plan was filed.  The flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91, and originated from Wilber, Nebraska, approximately 1859 hours.

The pilot's written statement indicated he performed a touch and go landing on Runway 32 (2,150' X 300', grass) at Wilber.  He stated he experienced a loss of engine power at 100 to 150 feet above the ground during the initial climbout.  The airplane collided with trees during the emergency descent and forced landing.

The pilot reported the power loss was due to a mechanical malfunction/failure.  Postaccident investigation revealed no evidence of preimpact mechanical difficulty.  The engine was removed from the airframe and run up on a test stand.  The engine started up promptly, and operated without hesitation at various power settings.  An FAA Inspector's Statement is appended.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N11027](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N11027-1994-12-19), registration cancelled 1994-12-19, S/N 7ECA13 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CHAMPION 7GCAA
- Registry model: [Champion 7GCAA](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-7gcaa) (registry code 21101N8) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7ECA-13
- Airframe hours: 2909
- Engines: LYCOMING IO-320-E2A 150 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Christensen, Darrell D.
- Registered owner: Christensen, Darrell D.
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Aerobatic
- Last inspection: Annual, September 9, 1992, 35 hours before
- Destination: NE59, LINCOLN, NE
- Airport: NE26, Wilber Municipal, runway 32, 2,150 × 300 ft, grass/turf

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 58; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 224 total, 167 in this make and model

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 10° at 6 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 82 °F, dew point 68 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: LNK, 23 nm away

## 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 19930819029779A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19930819029779A), Aug 19, 1993: Bbavia 7GCAA, Wilber, NE, Substantial damage. Reported power lost on climbout. Forced landed in trees. No engine anomalies post accident.

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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