Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's inadequate compensation for winds and his failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a ground loop and dragging of the wing on the runway.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot/owner and a passenger were landing on runway 33 at their destination airport. The pilot stated that after touchdown, as the airplane decelerated, he lowered the tail of the airplane to the runway. A gust of wind then caused the airplane to 'weathervane,' the airplane ground looped, and the right wing struck the ground. The pilot estimated the winds were from 300 degrees at 8 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
On July 17, 1996, at 1052 eastern daylight time, an American Champion 7EC, N8910R, was substantially damaged after landing at the Skyhaven Airport, Rochester, New Hampshire. The certificated private pilot and passenger were not injured. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight that originated at Hampton, New Hampshire, about 1030. No flight plan had been filed for the flight conducted under 14 CFR Part 91. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) Inspector interviewed the pilot. In the Inspector's statement, he said: "...The pilot landed on runway 33 at the Skyhaven Airport in wind conditions he estimated were from 300 degrees at 8 knots As the aircraft decelerated, the pilot lowered the tail to the runway. Approaching a taxiway, a gust of wind caused the airplane to 'weathervane.' The airplane departed the left side of the runway and ground looped." Examination of the wreckage by the FAA Inspector revealed no preimpact failure of the airplane's controls. -