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Hard Landing Leads to Runway Excursion and Ditch Encounter (N5032G)

Groveland, CA, US

On February 7, 2004, a Bellanca 7ECA (registration N5032G) operated by Robert W. Reid Iii was involved in an aviation accident near Groveland, CA. No fatalities were reported. 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.

Sourcesthe U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archivePrimary reportUpdated 2026-07-04Data APIEditorial standards

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.

More accident analyses

Investigation report by the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) historical archive. Original record: https://carol.ntsb.gov/event/20040306X00286. This page is a structured re-presentation; facts and quotes are in the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), United States.