# NTSB FTW82FRG37: Champion 7GCAA, N2541F, Killeen, TX, August 25, 1982

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Final report
- Date: August 25, 1982, 18:50 local (23:50 UTC)
- Place: Killeen, TX
- Coordinates: 31.109064, -97.730216 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=31.1091&lon=-97.7302&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Maneuvering](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/450) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report August 25, 1983
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 71265
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW82FRG37
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/71265/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW82FRG37

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, maneuvering
  - aerobatics - performed, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - wing,skin - failure,partial (cause)
  - wing,skin - separation (cause)
  - wing,wingtip - failure,total (cause)
  - wing,wingtip - separation (cause)
  - wing - failure,total (cause)
  - wing - separation (cause)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

THE MAJORITY OF THE WRECKAGE WAS CONTAINED WITHIN A SMALL AREA EXCEPT FOR THE LEFT WING TIP WHICH WAS FOUND ABOUT 125 YDS FROM THE WRECKAGE & SOME PIECES OF FABRIC FROM THE LEFT WING THAT WERE FOUND ABOUT 525 YDS FROM THE WRECKAGE. BOTH WINGS HAD SEPARATED FROM THE FUSELAGE. THE LEFT WING CAME TO REST UPSIDE DOWN ABOUT 10 FT FORWARD OF THE FUSELAGE WITH LARGE PIECES OF FABRIC MISSING. THE ACFT UNDERWENT MAJOR REPAIRS TO THE LEFT WING ON 9/22/78 IN WHICH THE FOUR OUTBOARD WING RIBS & THE LAST 6 FT OF LEADING EDGE METAL WERE REPLACED. AN ANNUAL INSPECTION WAS PREFORMED ON 10/8/81 & THE ACFT HAD LOGGED ABOUT 59 HRS SINCE THE ANNUAL.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N2541F](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N2541F-2013-10-23), registration cancelled 2013-10-23, S/N 16, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CHAMPION 7GCAA
- Registry model: [Champion 7GCAA](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-7gcaa) (registry code 21101N8) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 16
- Airframe hours: 1088
- Engines: LYCOMING O-320-A2B 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: John Reynestson
- Registered owner: John Reynestson
- Departed: KILLEEN, TX
- Destination: KILLEEN, TX

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; airline transport, flight instructor; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 3,740 total

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 170° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles

## 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 19820825041189A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19820825041189A), Aug 25, 1982: Bbavia 7GCAA, Killeen, TX, Destroyed. Airplane broke up in flight during acrobatic maneuvers. One occupant was observed drinking prior to flight.

## Other investigations on N2541F (1)

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.

- [NTSB CHI73FEG03](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/CHI73FEG03), Aug 5, 1972: Champion 7GCAA (N2541F), Lebanon, OH, substantial damage

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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