# NTSB ERA14LA212: Champion 7ECA, N9122E, Taylorsville, NC, April 26, 2014 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · Fatal · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: April 26, 2014, 12:39 local (16:39 UTC) - Place: Taylorsville, NC - Coordinates: 35.930831, -81.196662 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.9308&lon=-81.1967&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Defining event: [Landing-landing roll: AC/prop/rotor contact w person](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/081) - Highest injury: Fatal - Injuries: 1 fatal, 1 minor; on the ground: 1 fatal - Status: Completed, report September 14, 2016 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB office: Eastern Region Aviation - Parties: FAA FSDO - NTSB case key (mKey): 89135 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ERA14LA212 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/89135/pdf - NTSB docket: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89135 - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ERA14LA212 ## Probable cause The pilot’s improper approach, which resulted in a long landing right of the runway centerline and the airplane’s subsequent collision with a riding mower that would have been difficult for the pilot to see due to its color and the nose-high attitude of the tailwheel-equipped airplane during landing. ## Findings NTSB's coded findings; those marked are part of the probable cause. - [Info processing/decision: decision making/judgment](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520): Personnel issues › Action/decision · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Champion 7ECA, 4 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md?model=21101NN), [All aircraft, 3,098 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02041520/cases.md) - [Use of equip/info: aircraft control](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040): Personnel issues › Task performance · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Champion 7ECA, 19 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md?model=21101NN), [All aircraft, 9,295 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02063040/cases.md) - [Performance/control parameters: descent/approach/glide path](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040): Aircraft › Aircraft oper/perf/capability · Not attained/maintained (probable cause); cases with it: [Champion 7ECA, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040/cases.md?model=21101NN), [All aircraft, 809 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/01062040/cases.md) - [Perception/orientation/illusion](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02022000): Personnel issues › Psychological · Pilot (probable cause); cases with it: [Champion 7ECA, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02022000/cases.md?model=21101NN), [All aircraft, 8 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/02022000/cases.md) - [Object/animal/substance: ground vehicle](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022025): Environmental issues › Physical environment · Awareness of condition; cases with it: [Champion 7ECA, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022025/cases.md?model=21101NN), [All aircraft, 132 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-findings/03022025/cases.md) ## Sequence of events The events NTSB coded, in order, by phase of flight. The defining event best describes what happened. - [Landing: Landing area overshoot](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/380); cases with it: [Champion 7ECA, 3 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/380/sequence.md?model=21101NN), [All aircraft, 400 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/380/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Collision during takeoff/land](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490); cases with it: [Champion 7ECA, 2 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md?model=21101NN), [All aircraft, 1,309 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/490/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: AC/prop/rotor contact w person](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/081) (defining event); cases with it: [Champion 7ECA, 1 case](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/081/sequence.md?model=21101NN), [All aircraft, 61 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/081/sequence.md) - [Landing-landing roll: Nose over/nose down](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096); cases with it: [Champion 7ECA, 5 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md?model=21101NN), [All aircraft, 2,287 cases](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-events/096/sequence.md) ## Analysis The private pilot was conducting a personal cross-country flight. The pilot reported that, during landing at his destination airport, the tailwheel-equipped airplane struck a riding mower from behind. The airplane nosed over on top of the operator and riding mower, and the operator sustained fatal injuries. Examination of the accident site revealed that the mower was off the right side of the 2,400-ft-long by 60-ft-wide turf runway, was traveling parallel to it while facing away from the airplane, and was about 180 ft from the end of the runway when it was struck. This evidence indicates that the pilot likely landed the airplane right of the runway centerline and not within the first one-third of the runway as recommended by the Federal Aviation Administration. If the pilot had landed within the first one-third of the runway, according to the airplane manufacturer's published landing data, he should have been able stop the airplane before reaching the mower. Examination of the accident site and the riding mower revealed that, due to the mower's dark green color, it would have been difficult for the pilot to see it from the air because it would have blended into the green turf areas surrounding the runway. Additionally, given that the airplane was tailwheel-equipped, the engine cowling would have restricted the pilot's view of the area directly ahead of the airplane as it approached the runway in a nose-high attitude, which would have made the riding mower difficult, if not impossible, for the pilot to see. ## Factual narrative The accident aircraft was a single-engine, tailwheel equipped airplane, powered by a 115 horsepower, air cooled engine, driving a two-bladed, fixed pitch propeller. It was designed for flight training, utility, and personal use, and was equipped with two-seats in a tandem configuration. The fuselage and tail surfaces were constructed of welded metal tubing. The outer shape of the fuselage was created by a combination of wooden formers and longerons, covered with fabric. The cross-section of the metal fuselage truss was triangular, and the strut-braced wings, as well as the fuselage and tail surfaces, were fabric covered, and utilized aluminum ribs. According to FAA and airplane maintenance records, the accident airplane was manufactured in 1970. The airplane's most recent annual inspection was completed on April 2, 2013. At the time of the inspection, the airplane had accrued approximately 948 total hours of operation. Taylorsville Airport was a privately-owned airport, located one mile northwest of Taylorsville, North Carolina. It was classified by the FAA as a non-towered public use airport. The airport elevation was 109 feet above mean sea level and there was one runway oriented in a 08/26 configuration. Runway 8 was turf, and in good condition. The total length was 2,400 feet long and it was 60 feet wide. Obstructions were present off the approach end of the runway in the form of 45-foot-tall trees, located 71 feet from the runway threshold, and 113 feet left of the centerline, which required a 1:1 slope to clear. On April 26, 2014, about 1239 eastern daylight time, a Champion 7ECA (Citabria), N9122E, was substantially damaged when it struck a riding mower during landing roll, shortly after landing at Taylorsville Airport (NC2), Taylorsville, North Carolina. The private pilot received minor injuries. The mower operator was fatally injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan was filed for the personal flight operated under the provisions of 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91, which departed from Crossville Memorial Airport (CSV), Crossville, Tennessee. According to the pilot, the purpose of his flight was to visit his son who was an airframe and powerplant mechanic at NC2, a privately-owned, uncontrolled airport. He departed CSV about 2 hours and 45 minutes prior to the accident and upon arriving at NC2, entered the left downwind leg of the traffic pattern for runway 08. The pilot announced his position on Unicom, and performed a wheel landing. After touchdown, he lowered the tailwheel onto the runway surface, looked up, and observed that there was a man on a riding mower about 150 feet in front of him. He then "slammed on the brakes." The airplane's nose hit the ground and slid until it struck and then nosed over, on top of the riding mower. After the airplane came to rest, the pilot egressed out of a window. He could hear the mower operator yelling, and "called 911." The pilot of the airplane received minorinjuries. The operator of the riding mower was critically injured and succumbed to his injuries on May 15, 2014. The recorded weather at Hickory Regional Airport (HKY), Hickory, North Carolina, located 14 nautical miles southwest of the accident site, at 1253, included: wind calm, 10 miles visibility, clear, temperature 23 degrees C, dew point 6 degrees C, and an altimeter setting of 30.01 inches of mercury. According to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) records, the pilot held a private pilot certificate with a rating for airplane single-engine land. His most recent application for an FAA third-class medical certificate was dated February 5, 2013. He reported that he had accrued 855 total hours of flight time, 112 of which were in the accident airplane make and model. Airplane Flying Handbook According to the Airplane Flying Handbook (FAA-H-8083-3A), Tailwheel airplanes are often referred to as conventional gear airplanes. Due to their design and structure, tailwheel airplanes exhibit operational and handling characteristics that are different from those of tricycle gear airplanes. Tailwheel airplanes are not necessarily more difficult to takeoff, land, and/or taxi than tricycle gear airplanes; in fact under certain conditions, they may even handle with less difficulty. The handbook also stated that since a tailwheel-type airplane rests on the tailwheel as well as the main landing wheels, it assumes a nose-high attitude when on the ground. In most cases this places the engine cowling high enough to restrict the pilot's vision of the area directly ahead of the airplane. Consequently, objects directly ahead of the airplane are difficult, if not impossible, to see. Additionally, the handbook also stated that on a normal approach, with no wind drift, the longitudinal axis should be kept aligned with the runway centerline throughout the approach and landing and that when landing the descent angle should be controlled throughout the approach so that the airplane will land in the center of the first third of the runway. Citabria Pilot's Operating Manual Review of the Citabria Pilot's Operating Manual revealed that it contained landing distance information for the Model 7ECA. Review of the published information revealed, that during landing at gross weight, power off, zero wind, on a hard surface runway (No data was published for turf runways), at sea level at 59 degrees F (15 degrees C), the total distance to clear a 50-foot obstacle at the runway threshold when landing was 775 feet. Ground roll was 400 feet. At 2,500 feet above mean sea level at 50 degrees F (10 degrees C), the total distance to clear a 50-foot obstacle at the runway threshold when landing was 805 feet. Ground roll was 430 feet. Examination of the accident site by the North Carolina State Highway Patrol (NCSHP) and an FAA inspector revealed that the airplane appeared to have landed long, along the right edge of Runway 8, and struck the riding mower approximately 180 feet from theend of the runway. Examination of the riding mower by the FAA and NCSHP revealed that the riding mower was dark green in color, and had been traveling east, parallel to the grass runway (off the right side of the runway and facing away from the landing airplane) when it was struck. Further examination indicated that the airplane's propeller struck the left side of the mower operator, the mower's steering wheel, and the mower's hood. The airplane's right main landing gear then struck the rear of the mower inboard of the left rear tire, pushing the riding mower forward approximately 20 feet, rolling it and the operator over, while the airplane nosed over on top of the operator and riding mower. Examination of the airplane by an FAA inspector revealed that it was substantially damaged, the right main landing gear assembly was separated from its mounting location, the right wing strut had separated from its lower mounting location and was bent, the left wing strut was separated from its lower mounting location, the wing spar was broken, the propeller was bent, the engine cowling was torn and crushed, the windshield was broken, the empennage was damaged, and the fabric covering, on the fuselage , wings, and empennage, was torn and punctured in numerous places. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N9122E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N9122E-2018-06-01), registration cancelled 2018-06-01, S/N 803-71, built 1970 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: CHAMPION 7ECA - Registry model: [Champion 7ECA](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-7eca) (registry code 21101NN) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 803-71 - Year built: 1970 - Airframe hours: 948 - Engines: Continental O-235-C1 115 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Personal, Part 91 - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Aerobatic; Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, April 2, 2013, 24 hours before - Departed: CSV, Crossville, TN - Destination: NC2, Taylorsville, NC - Airport: NC2, Taylorsville Airport, runway 08, 2,400 × 60 ft, grass/turf - Equipment: Unknown ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 84; injuries: minor; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, with waivers/limitations; last flight review May 30, 2013; seat: front; restraint: lap only; flight hours: 855 total, 112 in this make and model, 855 as pilot in command, 9 in the last 90 days, 6 in the last 30 days, 3 in the last 24 hours ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day - Wind: 0° at 0 knots - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: none - Temperature: 73 °F, dew point 43 °F - Altimeter: 30.01 inHg - Observed at: HKY, 14 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 20140426006019A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/20140426006019A), Apr 26, 2014: Champion 7ECA, Taylorsville, NC, Substantial damage, 1 fatal. Upon inspection of the aircraft, crash site, and lawn tractor, it appears that the pilot of the aircraft landed long and along the right side of rwy 8. Based… ## Docket (7 files) The files NTSB released with the investigation on June 29, 2016, on NTSB's docket system: https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket?ProjectID=89135. 3.8 MB in all. - Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1 (item 1, .PDF, 628 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40441774&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Pilot%2FOperator%20Aircraft%20Accident%20Report,%20NTSB%20Form%206120.1-Master.PDF - Witness Statements and Interview Summaries (item 2, .PDF, 672 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40441775&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Witness%20Statements%20and%20Interview%20Summaries-Master.PDF - Satellite Images of Accident Area (item 3, .PDF, 4 photos, 718 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40441776&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Satellite%20Images%20of%20Accident%20Area-Master.PDF - NCSHP - Field Diagram and Measurements of Collision Scene (item 4, .PDF, 146 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40441777&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=NCSHP%20-%20Field%20Diagram%20and%20Measurements%20of%20Collision%20Scene-Master.PDF - Weather Reports and Records - KHKY METARs and TAFs (item 5, .PDF, 194 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40441778&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Weather%20Reports%20and%20Records%20-%20KHKY%20METARs%20and%20TAFs-Master.PDF - Excerpt from Pilot's Operating Manual - Landing Distance Chart (item 6, .PDF, 39 KB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40441779&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Excerpt%20from%20Pilot%27s%20Operating%20Manual%20-%20Landing%20Distance%20Chart-Master.PDF - Photo Array (item 7, .PDF, 8 photos, 1.4 MB): https://data.ntsb.gov/Docket/Document/docBLOB?ID=40441780&FileExtension=.PDF&FileName=Photo%20Array-Master.PDF 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.