On August 1, 1995, a Bellanca 7ECA (registration N5068K) was involved in an aviation accident near Naperville, IL. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during the takeoff roll. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
During takeoff roll, the pilot lost directional control and the aircraft collided with a hangar, causing substantial damage. The two occupants each stated the other was pilot-in-command.
Accident Overview
The aircraft sustained substantial damage when it collided with a hangar after the pilot lost directional control during the takeoff roll. The collision occurred as the aircraft was accelerating on the runway.
Pilot Experience
The pilot had received a tailwheel aircraft endorsement during a biennial flight review 21 months prior to the accident. At the time of the accident, the pilot had accumulated 15 hours of total time in tailwheel-equipped aircraft, but had no recent experience in such aircraft.
Occupants' Statements
Following the accident, the two pilot-occupants of the aircraft each stated that the other was the pilot-in-command at the time of the event.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during the takeoff roll.