Probable cause
The student pilot's decision to land with a quartering tailwind, resulting in a loss off directional control, excessive brake application, and a nose over.
NTSB analysis
According to the student pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane, he landed on an asphalt runway at about 80 miles per hour. He reported that during the landing on runway 18, the wind was 070 degrees true and a velocity of 5 knots. He reported that during the landing roll he "wasn't able" to apply the appropriate crosswind correction and subsequently applied excessive braking. The airplane nosed over and exited the right side of the runway. The airplane sustained substantial damage to the firewall, left wing and rudder.
The student pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or failures associated with the airplane prior to, or during the flight that would have prevented normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA16CA057 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Nov 16, 2015
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Eufaula, Alabama
- Nearest airport
- Weedon Field (EUF)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Champion 7ECA
- N-number
- N9649S
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1966
- 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.