Casualties unknown

1988-08-05: Bellanca 7ECA (N8662V) — West Valley Flying Club — Palo Alto, CA

Palo Alto, CA, US

On August 5, 1988, a Bellanca 7ECA (registration N8662V) operated by West Valley Flying Club 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; 8 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

A student pilot experienced directional control problems during pattern practice landings. On the fifth landing, control was lost after the tail lowered, leading to a collision with airport structures and a tree.

Incident Overview

A student pilot, whose prior flight training was conducted exclusively in tailwheel-type aircraft, was participating in a pattern practice instructional session. During the session, the pilot made four full-stop landings and reported experiencing directional control issues on each landing. No problems were noted during takeoffs or taxi operations.

Sequence of Events

On the fifth landing, the pilot stated that directional control was lost just after lowering the tail to the ground. The pilot described that the wind lifted the left wing. In response, the pilot applied power to initiate a go-around; however, the directional control problem worsened. After liftoff, the aircraft drifted to the left and collided with several structures on the airport before ultimately hitting a large tree on an adjacent golf course.

Instructor Background

The management of the flying club stated that the student's instructor was on probation for consistent problems in producing weak students.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X26594. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.