Casualties unknown

1997-07-05: Bellanca 7ECA (N7636S) — Mooresville, NC

Mooresville, NC, US

On July 5, 1997, a Bellanca 7ECA (registration N7636S) was involved in an aviation accident near Mooresville, NC. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's inadequate landing distance assessment and subsequent bounced landing, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain during an attempted go-around on a short grass strip. 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

A pilot attempting to land on a short grass runway bounced upon touchdown. Unable to stop in time, he initiated a go-around but struck trees and terrain at the end of the strip.

What happened

The pilot was operating an aircraft during the landing phase of flight. The intended destination was a grass runway with a total length of 2,000 feet. According to the pilot's account, the approach speed was excessive for the conditions. Upon touchdown, the aircraft landed beyond the optimal point on the strip and subsequently bounced.

After the bounce, the pilot realized there was insufficient remaining runway distance to bring the airplane to a safe stop before reaching the end of the paved or grass surface. To avoid overrunning the runway, the pilot attempted a go-around maneuver. However, during this attempt, the aircraft collided with trees and terrain located at the end of the runway area.

The investigation

The investigation relied primarily on the pilot's statement regarding the sequence of events. No mechanical failure was identified as a contributing factor to the collision. The primary issue was the inability to arrest the aircraft's momentum within the available runway length after the bounce.

Probable cause

The pilot's inadequate landing distance assessment and subsequent bounced landing, which resulted in a collision with trees and terrain during an attempted go-around on a short grass strip.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20001208X08462. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.