Runway excursion Accident Champion 7GCBC N7618S, Saturday 25 August 2018

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Date:	Saturday 25 August 2018
Time:	15:00
Type:	Champion 7GCBC
Owner/operator:	Private
Registration:	N7618S
MSN:	923-76
Year of manufacture:	1976
Total airframe hrs:	1773 hours
Engine model:	Lycoming O-320-A2D
Fatalities:	Fatalities: 0 / Occupants: 2
Other fatalities:	0
Aircraft damage:	Substantial
Category:	Accident
Location:	Ocklawaha, FL - United States of America
Phase:	Landing
Nature:	Private
Departure airport:	Ocklawaha, FL (FA38)
Destination airport:	Ocklawaha, FL (FA38)
Investigating agency:	NTSB
Confidence Rating:	Accident investigation report completed and information captured

Narrative:
The pilot of the tailwheel-equipped airplane reported that, during landing, a wind gust from the right caused the airplane to weathervane. The airplane veered right off the runway, ground looped to the right, and the left wing and elevator impacted the ground.
The airplane sustained substantial damage to the left wing and left elevator.
The pilot added that he was a “very experienced pilot, but very inexperienced with tailwheel operations.”
The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Probable Cause: The pilot’s failure to maintain directional control during landing.

Accident investigation: