# NTSB NYC96LA031: Champion 7ECA, N11081, Lacona, NY, November 25, 1995 - Type: NTSB accident investigation - Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report - Date: November 25, 1995, 16:50 local (21:50 UTC) - Place: Lacona, NY - Coordinates: 43.639137, -76.059494 (estimated) - Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=43.6391&lon=-76.0595&mi=10 - Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping) - Highest injury: No injuries - Injuries: 1 uninjured - Status: Completed, report May 29, 1996 - Report: Approved by Office Director - NTSB case key (mKey): 39127 - NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=NYC96LA031 - NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/39127/pdf - Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC96LA031 ## Probable cause the pilot's inadequate preflight/planning, and his failure to remain clear of obstacles, including a tree trunk. ## Sequence of events In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf). - On ground/water collision with object, takeoff - preflight planning/preparation - inadequate, pilot in command (cause) - object - tree(s) - clearance - not maintained, pilot in command (cause) ## Analysis The ski-equipped airplane was departing from a runway, which was covered with wet snow and was 1,140 feet long. During the takeoff, the airplane was unable to clear an obstacle at the departure end of the runway. The pilot stated that after he preflighted the airplane, he taxied to the end of the runway and performed a run-up. Everything was 'okay,' so he took off. According to the pilot, he didn't get enough airspeed to clear a 15' obstacle at the end of the runway, and the airplane hit a stump at the end. He said the airplane became airborne, but he couldn't regain control of the plane. The airplane then fell to the right and landed in a hedge row. ## Factual narrative On November 25, 1995, about 1650 eastern standard time, a Champion 7ECA, N11081, collided with trees during takeoff from a private airstrip near Lacona, New York. The airplane was substantially damaged, and the student pilot was not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and no flight plan had been filed. The local training flight was being conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The ski-equipped airplane was departing from a runway, which was covered with wet snow, and was 1,140 feet long. During the takeoff, the airplane was unable to clear trees at the departure end of the runway. The runway was reported to have obstructions in all directions. According to the pilot's statement on the NTSB Form 6120.1/2, after he pre-flighted the airplane, he taxied to the end of the runway and performed a run-up. The pilot stated: ...everything was okay so I took off. I didn't get enough airspeed to clear a 15' obstacle at the end of my runway and hit a stump at the end...I became airborne but couldn't regain control of [the] airplane it fell out to the right and landed in a hedge row. The pilot's total flight time was 150 hours, with 20 hours in this make and model airplane. The reported local weather was; 4000 broken, visibility 10 miles, temperature 35 degrees F, winds calm. ## Aircraft - Registration: [N11081](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N11081), registered now, S/N 97, built 1965 (OpenAirDocs) - Reported make and model: Champion 7ECA - Registry model: [Champion 7ECA](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-7eca) (registry code 21101NN) (OpenAirDocs) - Registry engine: [Continental 0-200 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/continental-0-200-series) (registry code 17020, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs) - Category: Airplane - Serial number: 97 - Engines: Continental O-200-A 100 horsepower reciprocating - Damage: Substantial damage - Flight: Instructional, Part 91 - Registered owner: Alen E. Zelinski - Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal - Last inspection: Annual, August 1, 1995 - Airport: NONE, None, runway 27, 1,140 × 100 ft, grass/turf ## Flight crew As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names. - Pilot; age 35; student; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; seat: front; flight hours: 150 total, 20 in this make and model, 100 as pilot in command, 30 in the last 90 days, 2 in the last 30 days ## Weather - Conditions: Visual (VMC), Dusk - Wind: calm - Visibility: 10 statute miles - Lowest ceiling: 4,000 ft broken - Temperature: 36 °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 19951125038389A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19951125038389A), Nov 25, 1995: Bbavia 7ECA, Lacona, NY, Substantial damage. Ski equipped. Tried depart wet snow covered runway. Lifted but hit a stump off end runway. Failed accelerate. ## Other investigations on N11081 (2) 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 NYC80FFA09](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/NYC80FFA09), Feb 28, 1980: Bellanca 7ECA (N11081), Poland, NY, substantial damage - [NTSB LAX73FUQ24](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/LAX73FUQ24), Mar 26, 1973: Champion 7ECA (N11081), Pacoima, 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. --- OpenAirDocs.org is an independent research project of [Contrail Labs](https://contraillabs.com/). It is not affiliated with the FAA or the NTSB. Source documents are U.S. government works in the public domain.