On February 7, 2004, a Bellanca 7ECA (registration N5032G) operated by Robert W. Reid Iii was involved in an aviation accident near Groveland, CA. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: the pilot's failure to maintain a proper glide path and misjudged landing flare, which resulted in a hard landing. Also causal was the pilot's inadequate recovery from a bounced landing, resulting in a loss of directional control and collision with terrain. This summary draws on records from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive.
The pilot continued an approach from above the glide path, resulting in a hard landing, bounce, left veer, and runway excursion into a ditch.
Accident Details
During final approach, the pilot observed that the airplane was above the intended glide path. Despite this, the pilot chose to proceed with the landing. The airplane touched down hard, causing it to bounce back into the air. Upon returning to the runway, the airplane veered to the left and departed the paved surface. It continued off the runway and encountered a ditch.
Pilot Report
The pilot reported no preimpact mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane. The airplane was operating normally before the event.
Outcome
The landing attempt resulted in a hard touchdown, a bounce, a leftward veer, and an excursion off the runway into a ditch. No mechanical issues were identified by the pilot.