NTSB CEN20CA391 — 2020-09-11 · Ozark, Arkansas, United States

Current FAA registration · N81BH

Make / Model: AMERICAN CHAMPION AIRCRAFT 8GCBC
Year of manufacture: 2011 · 9 years old at event
Engine: LYCOMING O-360-C1G (180 hp)
Seats / Engines: 3 seats · 1 engine
Last airworthiness date: 20110707
ADS-B equipped: Yes — Mode-S AB0724

Source: FAA Aircraft Registry (releasable master file).

Aircraft involved

N81BH Champion 8GCBC Minor

Probable cause & findings

The pilot's failure to maintain clearance from a wire during final approach to landing.

Factual narrative

The pilot reported that, during the turn from base to final, the left wing struck a wire and the airplane rotated and hit the ground. The airplane's wings and fuselage were substantially damaged. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane or engine that would have precluded normal operation. He also stated that he should have maintained clearance from the obstructions. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database Retrieved: 2026-02-12

NTSB Findings

FAA avdata. C = Cause, F = Factor.

C Personnel issues-Action/decision-Action-Incorrect action performance-Pilot
— Aircraft-Aircraft oper/perf/capability-Performance/control parameters-Altitude-Not attained/maintained
— Environmental issues-Physical environment-Object/animal/substance-Wire-Effect on operation

Verbatim from NTSB's published report. Source file NTSB_2020_CEN20CA391.txt. Findings + structured fields enriched from FAA avall.mdb. Full investigation docket on data.ntsb.gov ↗.

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