Stall / Spin · NTSB WPR09FA200
CHAMPION 7ECA — San Jose, CA
| Date | April 18, 2009 |
| Location | San Jose, CA |
| Aircraft | CHAMPION 7ECA |
| Purpose of flight | Personal |
| Conditions | Day · Visual Meteorological Cond |
| Phase / occurrence | Maneuvering Aerodynamic stall/spin |
| Pilot age | 53 |
| Pilot total time | 3,443 hrs · High time |
| Time in type | Unknown |
| Fatalities | 2 |
Probable cause
NTSB findings
- Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Airspeed-Not attained/maintained - C
- Personnel issues-Task performance-Use of equip/info-Aircraft control-Pilot - C
- Environmental issues-Physical environment-Terrain-Mountainous/hilly terrain-Not specified
What happened
The commercial pilot and private pilot rated passenger were on visual flight rules day cross-country flight within visual meteorological conditions on a generally direct course between the departure and destination airports. Review of recorded data from a hand held global positioning system (GPS) revealed that the flight departed and climbed to a cruise altitude. The flight continued at that altitude until entering a canyon with rising mountainous terrain surrounding the area. The recorded GPS data depicted a steady climb through the canyon at a rate less than the rate of terrain elevation rise, with decreasing airspeed at a constant rate. The end of the recorded data showed a climbing left turn near the accident site towards steep rising terrain. There were no known witnesses to the accident sequence. Examination of the wreckage and accident site revealed that impact damage signatures on the nose, wings, and fuselage were consistent with a stall and/or spin. No evidence of any preimpact mechanical anomalies were discovered with the engine or airframe.