On July 9, 1997, a Bellanca 7ECA (registration N2583F) was involved in an aviation accident near Sonora, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain control during landing roll. A factor was gusty wind conditions. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported that a strong gust of wind during landing caused the airplane to veer left, exit the runway, and contact brush and a fence.
Incident Overview
According to a written statement from the pilot, the UNICOM reported winds at 14 knots gusting to 20 knots, generally down the runway. During the landing roll, the airplane was struck by a strong gust of wind, causing it to float and turn 30 to 45 degrees to the left. Subsequently, the airplane exited the left side of the runway.
Pilot Actions
The pilot applied power to initiate a climb and avoid a 4-foot drainage ditch running parallel to the runway. Following this maneuver, the airplane contacted brush and a fence on the opposite side of the ditch.
Sequence of Events
UNICOM reported winds 14 gusting to 20 knots.
During the landing roll, a gust caused the airplane to float and turn left.
The airplane exited the left side of the runway.
The pilot added power to avoid a 4-foot drainage ditch.
The airplane then struck brush and a fence beyond the ditch.
No further details about the aircraft, occupants, or extent of damage were provided in the source.