On September 5, 1994, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N8843) operated by Soar Black Forest was involved in an aviation accident near Elbert, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: THE PILOT'S INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE WINDS. A FACTOR WAS THE UNFAVORABLE VARIABLE WINDS. 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.
During a downwind landing pattern for a north landing with variable south-southeast winds at 10 knots, the pilot added back pressure to arrest a 500 fpm descent rate, resulting in a hard landing that caused the right main gear to separate and the airplane to ground loop.
Incident Details
A pilot conducted a downwind pattern entry for a landing to the north. The winds were variable from the south-southeast at 10 knots. During the final descent, the rate of descent was 500 feet per minute (fpm).
Sequence of Events
To arrest the descent rate, the pilot added back pressure on the control stick. This action resulted in a hard landing. During the hard landing, the right main gear separated due to overload, and the right wing subsequently struck the ground.
Outcome
The airplane then ground looped, slid approximately 125 feet down the runway, and came to rest 25 feet beyond the edge of the runway. The extent of damage and any injuries were not specified in the source.