# NTSB MKC88FA007: Champion Aeronca 7GC, N4889E, Columbia, MO, October 14, 1987

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · Fatal · Field investigation · Final report
- Date: October 14, 1987, 11:15 local (16:15 UTC)
- Place: Columbia, MO
- Coordinates: 38.950611, -92.320098 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=38.9506&lon=-92.3201&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Approach](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/500) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: Fatal
- Injuries: 2 fatal
- Status: Completed, report April 24, 1989
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 34468
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=MKC88FA007
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/34468/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC88FA007

## Sequence of events

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

- Airframe/component/system failure/malfunction, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
  - electrical system,battery - shorted (cause)
  - maintenance - improper (cause)
  - flt control syst,elevator control cable/rod - melted (cause)
  - flt control syst,elevator control - disconnected (cause)
- Loss of control - in flight, approach - vfr pattern - final approach
- In flight collision with terrain/water, descent - uncontrolled

## Analysis

WITNESSES REPORTED THE PILOT HAD PLANNED TO PRACTICE 'TAILDRAGGER' TAKEOFFS AND LANDINGS. THEY REPORTED THE AIRCRAFT OPERATED ROUTINELY FROM ENGINE START THROUGH THE FINAL APPROACH SEGMENT OF A VFR TRAFFIC PATTERN. WHILE STABILIZED AT ABOUT 400 FT AGL ON FINAL APPROACH, THE AIRCRAFT SUDDENLY PLUMMETED NOSE FIRST AND IMPACTED THE GROUND IN A STEEP DSCNT.FIRE ERUPTED ON IMPACT. THE PASSENGER WAS PULLED FROM THE BURNING AIRCRAFT, BUT HE DIED LATER. AN EXAM OF THE WRECKAGE REVEALED THE 'UP' ELEVATOR CONTROL CABLE HAD MELTED & HAD COME APART IN THE AREA OF A GUIDE PULLEY. THE GUIDE PULLEY HAD SIGNS OF ELECTRICAL ARCING. ALSO, THE AIRCRAFT'S POSITIVE BATTERY CABLE WAS STUCK TO THE 'UP' ELEVATOR GUIDE PULLEY.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N4889E](https://openairdocs.org/deregistered/N4889E-2013-06-18), registration cancelled 2013-06-18, S/N 7GC-63, built 1959 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: CHAMPION AERONCA 7GC (AERONCA 7G)
- Registry model: [Champion AERONCA 7GC](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-aeronca-7gc) (registry code 2110164) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-290 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-290-series) (registry code 41506, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 7GC-63
- Engines: LYCOMING O-290-D2B 140 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Destroyed
- Fire: On-Ground
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Terrill P. Swearingen
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal; Standard, Utility
- Airport: K24, E.W. Cotton Woods Mem, runway 18, 2,400 × 37 ft, asphalt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 32; airline transport, commercial; airplane ratings: single-engine land, multi-engine land; instrument ratings: airplane; medical: class 1, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; toxicology performed; flight hours: 2,980 total, 2,275 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: 180° at 10 knots
- Visibility: 15 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: none
- Temperature: 59 °F, dew point 36 °F
- Altimeter: 30.00 inHg
- Observed at: COU, 12 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 19871014059619A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19871014059619A), Oct 14, 1987: Bbavia 7GC, Columbia, MO, Destroyed, 1 fatal. On final approach nose dived to the ground. Found up elevator cable fused to fuselage on contacting battery cable.

## Other investigations on N4889E (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 MKC84LA177](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/MKC84LA177), Jun 19, 1984: Champion Aeronca 7GC (N4889E), Columbia, MO, 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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