Casualties unknown

1991-03-01: Bellanca 7ECA (N5524K) — David L. Kelsey — Friendswood, TX

Friendswood, TX, US

On March 1, 1991, a Bellanca 7ECA (registration N5524K) operated by David L. Kelsey was involved in an aviation accident near Friendswood, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE DUEL STUDENT'S FAILURE TO MAINTAIN DIRECTIONAL CONTROL DURING THE LANDING AND HIS INADVERTENT ACTIVATION OF THE BRAKES. A FACTOR WAS THE DITCH. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 1 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

During crosswind touch-and-go practice, a dual student with 2.4 hours of conventional gear time applied brakes during touchdown, causing the airplane to veer left off the runway and nosed over in a ditch.

Incident Overview

During a training flight involving practice crosswind touch-and-go landings, a dual student with 2.4 hours of conventional gear time applied the brakes upon touchdown. The airplane subsequently cocked into the wind and departed the left side of the runway. The flight instructor regained control of the airplane, straightened its path, and attempted to abort the landing. However, the airplane collided with a water-filled ditch and nosed over before becoming airborne again.

Circumstances

The landing was conducted with a reported 70-degree left crosswind at 8 knots, gusting to 12 knots. Both the student and the instructor stated that the student was riding the brakes during the attempted abort. The student's limited experience with conventional gear aircraft was noted as a contextual factor.

Sequence of Events

The aircraft touched down during the practice landing, and the student's brake application caused the airplane to yaw into the wind. Despite the instructor's intervention, the airplane veered left off the runway surface and entered a ditch, resulting in the nose-over. The aircraft did not become airborne prior to the collision.

Notes

No further details regarding aircraft damage, injuries, or regulatory findings were provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001212X16600. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.