On September 2, 1995, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N31266) operated by United Flight Services, Inc. was involved in an aviation accident near Santa Rosa, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing rollout on soft terrain adjacent to the runway. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A light aircraft ground-looped after touchdown near the runway threshold due to loss of directional control on soft ground, with no mechanical failures reported.
What happened
The pilot executed a three-point landing technique near the beginning of the runway. Upon initial contact with the pavement, the airplane began to yaw toward the right side. In an attempt to maintain alignment with the runway centerline, the pilot applied the wheel brakes. However, the aircraft continued its uncommanded right turn and eventually ground-looped as it moved off the paved surface onto the soft terrain adjacent to the runway.
The investigation
Post-accident review indicated that the airframe did not suffer from any pre-existing mechanical issues or system failures prior to the event. The operator confirmed that all systems were functioning normally before the flight, isolating the incident to pilot control inputs and environmental conditions during the landing phase.
Probable cause
The pilot's loss of directional control during the landing rollout on soft terrain adjacent to the runway.
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