# NTSB DFW06CA044: Champion 7ECA, N7569F, Fredericksburg, TX, December 29, 2005

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Data collection · Final report
- Date: December 29, 2005, 13:40 local (19:40 UTC)
- Place: Fredericksburg, TX
- Coordinates: 30.239166, -98.905555
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=30.2392&lon=-98.9056&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report April 25, 2006
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 63015
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DFW06CA044
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/63015/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DFW06CA044

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control on the landing roll-out.  A factor was the crosswind.

## Analysis

Prior to landing on Runway 14, the 418-hour commercial pilot made a low approach over the runway in his tailwheel-equipped single-engine airplane to check the wind conditions, as he was aware that a 14 knot gusting crosswind prevailed from the right side of the runway.  After the low pass, the pilot reentered the right downwind for a full-stop landing.  On the second approach, the airplane veered to the right after touching down, and after the pilot made corrections, the airplane ground-looped off the left side of the runway.   Runway 14 was reported to be 5,002-feet long, by 75-feet wide asphalt runway.  Both occupants were able to exit the airplane unassisted.

## Factual narrative

Prior to landing on Runway 14, the 418-hour commercial pilot made a low approach over the runway in his tailwheel-equipped single-engine airplane to check the wind conditions, as he was aware that a 14 knot gusting crosswind prevailed from the right side of the runway.  After the low pass, the pilot reentered the right downwind for a full-stop landing.  On the second approach, the airplane veered to the right after touching down, and after the pilot made corrections, the airplane ground-looped off the left side of the runway.   Runway 14 was reported to be 5,002-feet long, by 75-feet wide asphalt runway.  Both occupants were able to exit the airplane unassisted.

## 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)

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7569F](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7569F), registered now, S/N 731-70, built 1969 (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: 731-70
- Engines: Lycoming O-235 reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: William Widner
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic; Standard, Normal
- Departed: T82, Fredericksburg, TX
- Airport: T82, Gillespie County Airport, runway 14

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; injuries: none; private, commercial; airplane ratings: multi-engine land, single-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 2; flight hours: 418 total, 27 in this make and model, 36 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day

## 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 20051229031649A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20051229031649A), Dec 29, 2005: Bbavia 7ECA, Fredricksburg, TX, Substantial damage. (-23) This was a short VFR flight to T82 with a planned stop before returning to kerrville, Texas. Weather and winds were checked before arrival. The first…

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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