Casualties unknown

1986-10-02: Bellanca 7ECA (N4178Y) — Palo Alto, CA

Palo Alto, CA, US

On October 2, 1986, a Bellanca 7ECA (registration N4178Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Palo Alto, CA. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

A student pilot lost control during a second landing approach, resulting in a runway excursion. The aircraft touched down on left main and tail wheel, skidded off the 65-foot-wide runway, and crashed after a go-around attempt.

Accident Description

A student pilot was conducting landing practice when the aircraft went out of control and exited the runway. The pilot reported that on the first approach, his altitude was too high and he was aligned to the left of the runway. He initiated a go-around and attempted a second approach.

During the flare on the second approach, the aircraft began to drift to the right. The pilot touched down on the left main landing gear and tail wheel. The aircraft then skidded to the right, reaching the edge of the 65-foot-wide runway. As the aircraft left the runway surface, the pilot added full power in an attempt to go around. The aircraft subsequently crashed.

Pilot Account

The student pilot stated that there were no mechanical failures or malfunctions prior to the accident. He described the sequence of events: "Just as leaving the runway attempted a go-around by adding full power. Crashed." The pilot did not report any other issues with the aircraft's systems or controls.

Wind Conditions

Winds at the time of the accident were reported as calm. No other weather or environmental factors were mentioned in the incident report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X34978. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.