Probable cause
The pilot's inadequate compensation for the wind which resulted in a loss of directional control at touchdown and collapse of the landing gear.
NTSB analysis
The pilot/owner of the tailwheel-equipped airplane stated he was landing the airplane on a paved runway with a right, gusting crosswind. According to the pilot, "On final, we were right wing low on centerline, the right wheel touched, bounced a little, the left wing touched, and bounced a little, and then the left gear collapsed and the left wingtip touched the ground and the airplane slid to a stop."
When asked about the performance and handling of the airplane, the pilot stated the airplane performed "great" and that he landed with a side load on the landing gear. He added that he was used to landing on grass, and that landing on asphalt "was a lot less forgiving."
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA16CA178 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Apr 23, 2016
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Jasper, Alabama
- Nearest airport
- Walker County-Bevill Field (JFX)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Champion 7AC
- N-number
- N82463
- 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.