Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the takeoff roll. Contributing to the accident was his decision to take off with a left quartering tailwind.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane stated that he elected to depart from runway 17 with a wind from 050 degrees at 7 knots with gusts to 9 knots, although runway 05 was available. During the takeoff roll he "lost directional control." The airplane departed the runway into a grassy area on the left side of the runway and then ground-looped, substantially damaging the right wing. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical failures or anomalies. The weather reporting facility at the accident airport reported that, approximately 38 minutes before the accident and 22 minutes after the accident, the wind was from the east-northeast at 6 to 7 knots.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA10CA061 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 12, 2009
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Clarksville, Tennessee
- Nearest airport
- Outlaw Field (CKV)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
American Champion Aircraft 8GCBC
- N-number
- N315AC
- Category
- Airplane
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Personal
From the NTSB aviation accident database: N-registered aircraft, events since 2008, data through Oct 28, 2026. The file is published monthly, so the latest weeks are incomplete and recent records can change. The official source is the NTSB aviation investigation search. CheckAero is independent and not affiliated with the NTSB.