CHI96LA347

Factual narrative

On September 24, 1996, at 0930 central daylight time, a Champion 7ECA, N68ME, collided with a runway light while landing on runway 13 at the Hector International Airport, Fargo, North Dakota. The 14 CFR Part 91 flight was operation in visual meteorological conditions without a flight plan. The airplane was substantially damaged. The pilot and passenger were not injured. The local flight originated from the Hector International Airport at 0830 cdt. The pilot stated he made a normal approach to a 3 point landing. He stated there was a vibration and shimmy of the tailwheel and the airplane experienced a "slight" bounce during which it weathervaned to the right. The pilot stated he applied left rudder but the airplane continued across the runway where it contacted a runway light damaging the left elevator and wingtip. Local winds reported after the accident were from 210 degrees at 8 knots. The pilot stated that while making a 3-point landing on runway 13 there was a tailwheel shimmy and vibration. He stated the airplane bounced and weathervaned to the right. He applied left rudder but the airplane continued off the right side of the runway. The airplane contacted a runway light along the side of the runway. A 70-degree left crosswind of 8 knots was reported shortly after the accident. Source: NTSB Aviation Accident Database (Pre-2008 Archive) Retrieved: 2026-02-12