# NTSB CHI96LA347: Champion 7ECA, N68ME, Fargo, ND, September 24, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 24, 1996, 09:30 local (14:30 UTC)
- Place: Fargo, ND
- Coordinates: 46.929389, -96.830863 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=46.9294&lon=-96.8309&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 23, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 10399
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=CHI96LA347
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/10399/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI96LA347

## Probable cause

the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing.  A factor was the crosswind.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - weather condition - crosswind (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command
- On ground/water collision with object, landing - roll
  - object - runway light (contributing factor)

## Analysis

The pilot stated that while making a 3-point landing on runway 13 there was a tailwheel shimmy and vibration.  He stated the airplane bounced and weathervaned to the right. He applied left rudder but the airplane continued off the right side of the runway.  The airplane contacted a runway light along the side of the runway.  A 70-degree left crosswind of 8 knots was reported shortly after the accident.

## Factual narrative

On September 24, 1996, at 0930 central daylight time, a Champion 7ECA, N68ME, collided with a runway light while landing on runway 13 at the Hector International Airport, Fargo, North Dakota.  The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operation in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan.  The airplane was substantially damaged.  The pilot and passenger were not injured.  The local flight originated from the Hector International Airport at 0830 cdt.

The pilot stated he made a normal approach to a 3 point landing.  He stated there was a vibration and shimmy of the tailwheel and the airplane experienced a "slight" bounce during which it weathervaned to the right.  The pilot stated he applied left rudder but the airplane continued across the runway where it contacted a runway light damaging the left elevator and wingtip.

Local winds reported after the accident were from 210 degrees at 8 knots.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N68ME](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N68ME), registered now, S/N 625, built 1968 (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: 625
- Engines: Lycoming O-235-C1 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Victor L. Gelking
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: FAR
- Destination: FAR
- Airport: FAR, Hector Int'L, runway 13, 4,199 × 150 ft, macadam

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 69; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; seat: front; flight hours: 966 total, 10 in this make and model, 870 as pilot in command, 2 in the last 30 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 210° at 8 knots
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 48 °F, dew point 41 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: FAR

## 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 19960924029749A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960924029749A), Sep 24, 1996: Bbavia 7ECA, Fargo, ND, Substantial damage. Aircraft struck a runway sign on landing. (-23) on September 24, 1996 at 0920 central daylight time, a champion, 7ECA, N68ME operated by a private pilot was…

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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