Champion 7EC N9721N accident near Northhampton, New York

Probable cause

The pilot’s loss of airplane control during an off-airport landing on soft sand, which resulted in a nose over.

NTSB analysis

The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that he planned to complete a landing on a gravel/ sand bank along a river. He first completed an approach and a momentary touchdown and subsequently performed a go-around, in effort to evaluate the condition of the landing surface. During the second approach and landing, the airplane touched down on gravel and as the ground roll progressed into soft sand, the airplane slowed considerably, the tail rose, and the airplane nosed over. The windscreen and wing spar sustained substantial damage.

The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for ERA21LA060 for the full record.