Primary finding
Probable cause
the pilot's failure to maintain directional control of the airplane during the landing roll. Factors relating to the accident were: the variable and gusty wind conditions.
Investigator assessment
Analysis narrative
The pilot reported that he had just been checked out in the tail-wheel equipped airplane by his flight instructor. He decided to practice touch-and-go landings. During the first solo landing, a gust of wind raised the right wing, and the airplane veered to the right. The pilot stated that he added full power, and the airplane became airborne. The pilot leveled the wings; however, the airplane did not gain sufficient altitude to clear the airport perimeter fence. It settled to the ground, and during the landing roll, the landing gear collapsed and both wings were damaged. The pilot reported that there was no mechanical failure or malfunction with the airplane before the accident. The wind was reported to be variable at 3 gusting 10 knots.
Source record
Factual narrative
On August 19, 1996, at 0700 mountain daylight time, a Champion 7ECA, N9542S, registered to and operated by the pilot as a 14 CFR Part 91 personal flight, collided with an airport boundary fence after the pilot was unable to maintain control of the airplane during the landing at Hunt Field, Lander, Wyoming. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time and no flight plan was filed for the local flight. The airplane was substantially damaged and the private pilot, the sole occupant, was not injured. The pilot reported that he had just been checked out in the tail-wheel equipped airplane by his flight instructor. After the pilot dropped the flight instructor off, he decided to practice touch-and-go landings by himself. The pilot stated that during the first solo landing, a gust of wind raised the right wing and the airplane suddenly veered to the right. The pilot stated that he added full power and the airplane became airborne. The pilot was able to level the wings, however, the airplane did not gain sufficient altitude to clear the airport perimeter fence. The landing gear struck the fence and the airplane settled to the ground. During the landing roll the landing gear collapsed and both wings were damaged. The pilot reported that the engine was running at the time of the collision and he reported that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions. -