The sport pilot was performing touch and go landings on Runway 17R at the airport in Colorado Springs, Colorado. During the fourth landing a wind gust turned the Champion 7EC to the left.
The pilot attempted to correct the track of the airplane with the application of right rudder, however, the airplane did not respond. The pilot added power to go around and the airplane clipped an airport sign. The airplane then landed on the grass adjacent to the runway.
An examination of the airplane revealed substantial damage to the firewall.
The pilot stated that there were no mechanical anomalies with the airplane prior to the accident. He stated further that the winds were variable and low level windshear had been reported at the airport.
The NTSB determined the probable cause as the loss of airplane control after encountering windshear.
NTSB Identification: CEN15CA061
This November 2014 accident report is provided by the National Transportation Safety Board. Published as an educational tool, it is intended to help pilots learn from the misfortunes of others.
“Wing low, sweet Champion….”
The use of rudder to correct for the wind was wrong. If close to the runway and not aligned and not setup with aileron/wing low into the wind direction then a go-around is automatic. Go-around in fact in all sudden and unexpected situations…