Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.
NTSB analysis
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, a wind gust from the right caused the airplane to weathervane. The airplane veered right off the runway, ground looped to the right, and the left wing and elevator impacted the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator.
The pilot added that he was a "very experienced pilot, but very inexperienced with tailwheel operations."
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for GAA18CA517 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Aug 25, 2018
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Ocklawaha, Florida
- Nearest airport
- Woods And Lakes Airpark (FA38)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Champion 7GCBC
- N-number
- N7618S
- Category
- Airplane
- Year built
- 1976
- 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.