# NTSB FTW96LA382: Champion 7GCBC, N9071L, Edgewood, NM, September 7, 1996

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 7, 1996, 12:15 local (18:15 UTC)
- Place: Edgewood, NM
- Coordinates: 35.080165, -106.169387 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=35.0802&lon=-106.1694&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Initial climb](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/350) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed, report May 23, 1997
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 19976
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=FTW96LA382
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/19976/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/FTW96LA382

## Probable cause

The pilot's failure to maintain aircraft control.  A factor was a whirlwind.

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - in flight, takeoff - initial climb
  - aircraft control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - weather condition - dust devil/whirlwind (contributing factor)
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

The airplane's lift-off appeared to be normal.  As it attained an altitude of 5 to 10 feet above the runway, the right wing dropped and the airplane started a right turn.  The pilot tried to correct the turn; however, the aircraft settled and impacted the soft ground off the right side of the runway.  Subsequently, the aircraft ground looped.  In the pilot's opinion, he had encountered a whirlwind.

## Factual narrative

On September 7, 1996, at 1215 mountain daylight time, a Champion 7GCBC, N9071L, owned and operated by a private owner as a Title 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, was substantially damaged during takeoff at Sandia Airpark Estates East Airport near Edgewood, New Mexico.  Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed.  The private pilot and passenger were not injured.  The local flight was originating at the time of the accident.

According to the pilot, the lift off from runway 27 appeared to be normal.  As the airplane attained an altitude of 5 to 10 feet above the runway, the "right wing dropped and [the airplane] started a right turn."  He tried to correct the turn; however, the aircraft settled and "impacted the soft ground off the right side of the runway," and the "aircraft started to ground loop."  In the pilot's "opinion," he had encountered a "whirl wind."

Examination of the airplane by the FAA inspector revealed that the left wing spar was bent at mid-span, the left main landing gear was separated from the fuselage, and the fuselage was structurally damaged.

Attempts to obtain a completed Pilot/Operator Accident Report, NTSB Form 6120.1/2, were unsuccessful.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N9071L](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N9071L), registered now, S/N 276-70 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: Champion 7GCBC
- Registry model: [Champion 7GCBC](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-7gcbc) (registry code 21101PK) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 276-70
- Engines: Lycoming O-320 160 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: James N. Ray
- Registered owner: Chuck Tuberville
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Departed: NM51
- Airport: NM51, Sandia Airpark Estates, runway 27, 5,280 × 30 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 66; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--w/ waivers/lim; flight hours: 1,600 total, 350 in this make and model, 10 in the last 90 days

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 10 statute miles
- Temperature: 75 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: ABQ, 22 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 19960907037049A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19960907037049A), Sep 7, 1996: Bbavia 7GCBC, Edgewood, NM, Substantial damage. Reported en countered whirlwind after liftoff. Impact soft ground off side of runway. Began ground loop. Bent spar. (-23) ground loop was due to gusty winds…

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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