On September 20, 2003, a Bellanca 7ECA (registration N41698) was involved in an aviation accident near Byers, CO. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot not maintaining adequate clearance from the ground and his improper in-flight planning/decision. Factors contributing to the accident were the tailwind, the low altitude, the tree, the people, the embankment, and the ravine. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
A pilot reported initiating a go-around after encountering a tailwind during landing, but avoided obstacles and contacted the ground, leading to a slide and nose-over. Substantial damage occurred; post-accident examination found no anomalies.
Accident Overview
A pilot reported that during a landing attempt to the west on an airstrip, he encountered a tailwind. He subsequently initiated a go-around. However, to avoid a large tree at the end of the airstrip and a group of people on the north side, he had to turn south. During this maneuver, the airplane's right main landing gear contacted the ground. The airplane slid down an embankment and nosed over, resulting in substantial damage to the right wing, left and right wing struts, and the right main landing gear.
Post-Accident Examination
An examination of the airplane's systems revealed no anomalies that would have contributed to the accident.
Wind Conditions
Approximately 23 minutes after the accident, wind conditions at Denver International Airport, located 22 nautical miles west of the accident site, were recorded as 100 degrees magnetic at 11 knots.