Casualties unknown

2003-05-10: Bellanca 7GCBC (N711JJ) — Texas Taildraggers — Houston, TX

Houston, TX, US

On May 10, 2003, a Bellanca 7GCBC (registration N711JJ) operated by Texas Taildraggers was involved in an aviation accident near Houston, TX. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The flight instructor's poor decision to initiate a simulated emergency without having a suitable area for a forced landing. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive; 2 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

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

During takeoff initial climb, a flight instructor simulated a partial power emergency. The student hesitated, and when power was increased, the engine coughed. The instructor aborted, and the aircraft struck a ditch, coming to rest upright.

Summary

A flight instructor and student pilot experienced an aborted takeoff after a simulated power emergency led to an engine anomaly. The event occurred during the initial climb phase of the takeoff. The aircraft subsequently struck a ditch at the departure end of the runway and came to rest upright.

Event Details

During the initial climb, the flight instructor reduced engine power to simulate a partial power emergency for training purposes. The student pilot hesitated in responding to the situation. The flight instructor then requested that full power be applied. When the student increased power, the engine began to cough. Believing that a loss of power had occurred, the flight instructor aborted the takeoff. As a result of the aborted takeoff, the aircraft departed the runway and struck a ditch located at the departure end. The aircraft came to rest in an upright position.

The investigation did not specify the aircraft type, registration, date, operator, location, or number of occupants. No information was provided regarding injuries, damage, weather conditions, time of day, or air traffic control involvement.

Conclusion

The sequence of events was initiated by a simulated partial power emergency. The hesitation of the student pilot and subsequent engine coughing led the flight instructor to assume a loss of power and abort the takeoff. The aircraft's collision with a ditch ended the event.

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20030516X00679. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.