Casualties unknown

1989-05-28: Bellanca 7GCAA (N31277) — Big Sur, CA

Big Sur, CA, US

On May 28, 1989, a Bellanca 7GCAA (registration N31277) was involved in an aviation accident near Big Sur, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT ELECTED TO ATTEMPT A TAKEOFF FROM A FIELD THAT HE HAD PREVIOUSLY MADE A FORCED LANDING TO AND THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER DURING THE ATTEMPT. 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

During takeoff from a freshly mowed field, the tailwheel entangled in grass, causing the airplane to nose over due to downsloping terrain and slow airspeed. No mechanical failures reported.

Accident Details

During the takeoff roll on a freshly mowed open field, the airplane's tailwheel became entangled in the grass. The terrain was downsloping, and with the slow airspeed, the airplane nosed over. The pilot reported no mechanical failures or malfunctions at the time of the accident.

Background

The pilot had made a successful forced landing at the same location on the previous day. After landing, the pilot arranged for the property owner to mow the grass in order to create an airstrip for the subsequent departure. The mowing had been completed before the attempted takeoff.

Sequence of Events

According to the pilot, the takeoff roll began normally on the mowed surface. However, shortly after starting the roll, the tailwheel caught in the cut grass. The field's downsloping gradient, combined with the aircraft's low airspeed, caused the airplane to pitch forward over the nose. The pilot was unable to prevent the nose-over, and the airplane came to rest in an inverted or nose-down attitude. The pilot confirmed that the engine and other systems were functioning properly, with no pre-existing issues that could have contributed to the accident.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001213X28361. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.