FTW03LA078

The 1,377-hour pilot was not able to maintain directional control while landing on Runway 18. The pilot reported that as the tail came down, the aircraft weathervaned into the wind, heading off the runway towards a deep ditch. The pilot was able to fly the aircraft over the ditch, and the aircraft came to rest when the left main landing gear separated after colliding with a shallow ditch adjacent to a service road. At the time of the accident, the winds were reported from 240 degrees at 10 knots.

On January 4, 2003, at 1135 central standard time, a Champion 7FC tailwheel-equipped airplane, N5271V, was substantially damaged during a ground loop while landing at the Springdale Municipal Airport (ASG), near Springdale, Arkansas. The instrument rated commercial pilot and two passengers were not injured. The airplane was owned and operated by a private individual. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed throughout the area for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 flight. A flight plan was not filed for the pleasure flight. The local flight originated from the Bentonville Municipal Airport (VBT), near Bentonville, Arkansas, at 1120.

The 1,377-hour pilot, who had accumulated 30 hours in the accident aircraft, reported that he had been cleared for a straight-in approach to Runway 18 at the ASG airport. The pilot stated, "Touchdown was normal, with the right wheel first, followed a few seconds later by the left. As the tail came down, the aircraft weathervaned into the wind, heading off the runway towards a deep ditch." The pilot was able to fly the aircraft over the ditch, and the aircraft came to rest when the left main landing gear separated after colliding with a shallow ditch adjacent to a service road.

Examination of the wreckage revealed that the left wing sustained structural damage, the left landing gear was torn-off the fuselage, the propeller and engine cowling were damaged, and the fuselage was missed aligned.

At the time of the accident, the winds at ASG were reported from 240 degrees at 10 knots, 10 statute miles visibility, sky clear, temperature at 16 degrees Celsius, dewpoint 0 degrees Celsius, and an altimeter setting of 29.95 inches of Mercury. The density altitude was calculated by the Investigator-in-Charge at 1,763 feet.