Probable cause
The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during landing.
NTSB analysis
The certificated pilot was receiving tailwheel instruction and stated he was practicing touch-and-go landings. On his seventh landing, the airplane went to the right of the center line and he overcorrected. The flight instructor took the controls of the airplane. The right wing struck the ground and the airplane departed the runway to the left. The airplane subsequently ground looped which resulted in substantial damage to the right wing.
The pilot reported no pre-impact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA15CA006 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Mar 5, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Upland, California
- Nearest airport
- Cable (CCB)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Champion 7EC
- N-number
- N8905R
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1953
- Damage
- Substantial
- Operating rule
- Part 91 (general aviation)
- Purpose of flight
- Instructional
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.