# NTSB LAX84LA497: Champion 7FC, N7545B, Merced, CA, September 22, 1984

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: September 22, 1984, 09:20 local (16:20 UTC)
- Place: Merced, CA
- Coordinates: 37.350486, -120.41912 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=37.3505&lon=-120.4191&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 24413
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=LAX84LA497
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/24413/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX84LA497

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
  - brakes(normal) - inadvertent use, passenger (contributing factor)
- On ground/water encounter with terrain/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - dirt bank/rising embankment

## Analysis

DURING TAKEOFF THE PLT LOST CONTROL OF THE ACFT. IT VEERED OFF THE RWY & COLLIDED WITH A DIRT BANK. THE PLT INDICATED THAT HIS WIFE MAY HAVE UNKNOWINGLY BEEN APPLYING PRESSURE TO THE HEEL BRAKES DURING THE ATTEMPTED TAKEOFF.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7545B](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7545B), registered now, S/N 7FC-48, built 1957 (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: 7FC48
- Airframe hours: 4647
- Engines: CONTINENTAL C90-12-F 90 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Operator: Esco Aviation
- Registered owner: James A. Scott
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, January 27, 1984, 28 hours before
- Departed: MCE, MERCED, CA
- Destination: MCE, MERCED, CA
- Airport: MCE, Merced Muni, runway 30, 5,903 × 150 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 39; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 123 total, 7 in this make and model, 82 as pilot in command, 8 in the last 90 days, 8 in the last 30 days, 1 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 40 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 63 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## 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 19840922076009A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19840922076009A), Sep 22, 1984: Bbavia 7FC, Merced, CA, Substantial damage. On takeoff roll, aircraft veered, ground looped, went into ditch. Passenger may have touched heel brake.

## Other investigations on N7545B (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 LAX68F0160](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX68F0160), Oct 5, 1967: Champion 7FC (N7545B), Lancaster, CA, 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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