Probable cause
The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during the landing roll.
NTSB analysis
The pilot was performing touch-and-go takeoffs and landings for proficiency. On the last rollout, the pilot relaxed for a brief moment, and the airplane started to veer to the left; the pilot was unable to recover. The airplane ground looped and the landing gear collapsed. The propeller contacted the ground, the right wing tip struck the pavement, and the tailwheel attachment was bent. The pilot said the accident could have been prevented if he had been more proficient in tailwheel-equipped airplanes. He reported 3 hours within the last 90 days.
Text from the NTSB. Open the NTSB docket for WPR12CA397 for the full record.
Event
- Date
- Sep 3, 2012
- Type
- Accident
- Place
- Spanish Fork, Utah
- Nearest airport
- Spanish Fork Springvile Metro (U77)
- Highest injury
- None
- Weather
- Visual (VMC)
- Light
- Day
Champion 7GC
- N-number
- N61819
- 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.