Casualties unknown

1993-02-20: Bellanca 7ECA (N5506C) — West Valley Flying Club — Palo Alto, CA

Palo Alto, CA, US

On February 20, 1993, a Bellanca 7ECA (registration N5506C) operated by West Valley Flying Club was involved in an aviation accident near Palo Alto, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOTS INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE EXISTING CROSSWIND CONDITION AND HIS RESULTANT LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL. 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

During a touch-and-go landing, a pilot lost directional control, veered off the runway into a grassy area, crossed the runway, and nosed over in a marshy area after the runway was changed from 12 to 30 and wind advisories were given.

Incident Overview

A pilot was conducting a touch-and-go landing when the aircraft experienced a loss of directional control, resulting in a runway excursion and a nose-over. The event was described in a verbal statement by the pilot to FAA inspectors and in reports from air traffic control tower (ATCT) personnel.

Pilot Statement

According to the pilot's verbal statement to FAA inspectors, during the touch-and-go maneuver, he lost directional control of the aircraft. The aircraft subsequently veered off the runway and nosed over after encountering a soft, muddy area.

Air Traffic Control Communications

Review of ATCT tapes revealed that the aircraft initially received a takeoff clearance from Runway 12. While in the traffic pattern on the first circuit, the ATCT changed the runway assignment to Runway 30. Prior to landing, the ATCT transmitted two wind advisories to the pilot, indicating winds from 230 degrees at 15 knots.

Controller Reports

Controllers on duty in the tower cab reported that the aircraft touched down approximately midfield. After touchdown, the aircraft veered off the left side of the runway into a grassy area. The controllers then observed the aircraft veer to the right, cross over the runway, and nosed over in a marshy area on the right side of the runway.

Conclusion

The sequence of events includes the runway change, wind advisories, and the pilot's loss of directional control leading to the excursion and nose-over. No further causal analysis is provided in the source.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001211X11850. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.