# NTSB FTW91LA099: Champion 7FC, N7680E, Medina, TX, June 16, 1991

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: June 16, 1991, 09:58 local (14:58 UTC)
- Place: Medina, TX
- Coordinates: 29.799219, -99.249046 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=29.7992&lon=-99.2490&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report March 31, 1993
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 23346
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW91LA099
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/23346/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW91LA099

## Probable cause

THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE VISUAL LOOKOUT.

## Sequence of events

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

- In flight collision with object, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - object - wire,transmission
  - visual lookout - inadequate, pilot in command (cause)
- Main gear collapsed, landing - roll
  - flight control surfaces/attachments - jammed
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command
  - flight control surfaces/attachments - foreign object
  - landing gear - overload
- Dragged wing,rotor,pod,float or tail/skid, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT WAS AWARE OF TWO SETS OF POWER LINES STRUNG ACROSS THE FINAL APPROACH TO THE PRIVATE STRIP, AND HE SPOTTED THEM DURING HIS FLY OVER.  HOWEVER, THE AIRPLANE STRUCK TWO 3/8' WIRES AT THE 35 FOOT LEVEL ABOUT 75 YARDS SHORT OF THE RUNWAY THRESHOLD. FOLLOWING THE WIRE STRIKE THE WIRES BECAME INTANGLED IN THE TAIL FLIGHT CONTROL SURFACES AND AS A RESULT THE AIRPLANE TOUCHED DOWN IN A RIGHT YAW.  THE LEFT GEAR COLLAPSED.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7680E](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7680E), registered now, S/N 7FC-277 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CHAMPION 7FC
- Registry model: [Champion 7FC](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-7fc) (registry code 21101NX) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Continental C90 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-c90-series) (registry code 17009, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7FC-277
- Airframe hours: 7128
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C-90-12F 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Lee Taylor
- Registered owner: Lee Taylor
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 23, 1991, 13 hours before
- Departed: ERV, KERRVILLE, TX
- Airport: NONE, Side'S (Private), runway 12, 1,300 × 35 ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 64; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 502 total, 208 in this make and model, 10 in the last 90 days, 5 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 12 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 75 °F, dew point -0 °F

## 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 19910616022119A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19910616022119A), Jun 16, 1991: Bbavia 7FC, Medina, TX, Substantial damage. Aware of power lines accross approach path to Private strip but still struck same. Wires on tail. Landed sideways.

## Other investigations on N7680E (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 MIA73DKT55](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MIA73DKT55), Jan 28, 1973: Champion 7FC (N7680E), Opa Locka, FL, 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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