Casualties unknown

1996-08-10: Bellanca 7ECA (N5067C) — Hanscom Afb Aero Club — Bedford, MA

Bedford, MA, US

On August 10, 1996, a Bellanca 7ECA (registration N5067C) operated by Hanscom Afb Aero Club was involved in an aviation accident near Bedford, MA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions, and his failure to maintain directional control, which resulted in a ground loop/swerve. The variable wind condition was a related factor. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 1781061362Data APIEditorial standards

During landing, the aircraft veered off the runway, resulting in the collapse of the right main gear. The pilot reported a ground loop and stated that additional crosswind training for tailwheel aircraft could have prevented the accident.

Incident Summary

The aircraft departed the runway during landing, leading to the collapse of the right main landing gear. The pilot provided a detailed account of the event.

Pilot's Account

The pilot reported approaching at 80 mph indicated airspeed, flaring, and performing a wheel landing at approximately 65 mph indicated. Initially, the landing was stable, but the aircraft soon veered to the right, into the wind. The pilot applied left rudder to correct the drift. As the left rudder was applied, the tail wheel settled onto the runway, causing an abrupt turn to the left. Recognizing a ground loop, the pilot added power to lift the tail wheel off the ground, successfully recovering from the loop. However, the aircraft had turned approximately 85 to 90 degrees from the runway heading and was heading off the left side of the runway. Although the pilot regained control, there was insufficient room to maneuver back onto the runway. The pilot closed the throttle and applied braking, also leaning the mixture. While departing the runway, the aircraft struck a bump, which caused a violent left jerk, and the aircraft came to rest on its right side.

Additional Information

The pilot stated that no mechanical malfunctions were present and that the accident could have been prevented with additional training in crosswind landings for tailwheel aircraft.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X06603. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.