Casualties unknown

2001-09-02: Bellanca 7GCAA (N5042D) — Bridgeport, CA

Bridgeport, CA, US

On September 2, 2001, a Bellanca 7GCAA (registration N5042D) was involved in an aviation accident near Bridgeport, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The failure of the pilot to maintain directional control of the tail wheel equipped aircraft during landing roll which resulted in a ground loop. 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 reported that during landing, the tail bounced violently, leading to a veer off the runway and a ground loop that tore off the right landing gear and caused wing contact.

Accident Overview

A pilot reported that he landed an airplane on runway 16, which measures 4,329 feet in length and 60 feet in width. During the landing, the tail of the aircraft bounced violently, and the airplane veered to the left. The pilot applied right rudder and added some power, but the airplane continued to drift off the east edge of the runway. It subsequently ground looped when the right main landing gear entered dense brush. The right landing gear was torn off, and the right-hand wing contacted the ground during the ensuing ground loop.

Pilot Report

In his report to the Safety Board, in the section "Mechanical Malfunction Failure," the pilot checked "no," indicating no mechanical issues were reported. He also reported that the wind was calm at the time of the accident.

Damage

The accident resulted in the separation of the right landing gear and contact of the right wing with the ground. No other damage or injuries were specified in the report.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20010912X01921. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.