On September 2, 2001, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N4215Y) was involved in an aviation accident near Pierre, SD. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot not maintaining directional control of the airplane during landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A single-engine airplane sustained damage to its landing gear and wing after ground looping during a practice short field landing. The pilot reported a gust of wind, but weather data showed no gusts.
Accident Details
An airplane was damaged when it ground looped while landing. The incident occurred during a practice short field landing. The resulting ground loop caused damage to the landing gear and wing.
Pilot Account
In his written statement, the pilot reported that a gust of wind "picked aircraft from runway - placing it about a 30 [degree] angle to [the] direction of travel." He added that despite adding power and making control inputs, he was unable to correct the situation before the aircraft returned to the runway, resulting in the ground loop.
Weather Conditions
The weather reporting station located at the accident airport recorded the wind at 1153 as variable direction at 4 knots. No gusts were listed on that report.