No fatalities

23 Apr 2016: BELLANCA 7ECA NO SERIES — JULIE KEANE AVIATION INC — Ramona, CA

Ramona, CA, United States

On 23 Apr 2016, a BELLANCA 7ECA NO SERIES operated by JULIE KEANE AVIATION INC was involved in an aviation accident near Ramona, CA. No fatalities were reported. Investigators recorded the probable cause as: The pilot's failure to maintain directional control during takeoff in variable wind conditions. This summary draws on records from NTSB; 12 related events involving the same aircraft type or operator are linked below.

SourcesNTSBPrimary reportUpdated 1778583330Data APIEditorial standards

During a touch-and-go takeoff roll, a tailwheel airplane experienced a sudden wind shift, causing the left wing to lift rapidly and the aircraft to roll right. The left wing then impacted the ground, resulting in substantial damage.

Incident Overview

A pilot reported that while conducting a touch-and-go takeoff roll in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the windsock shifted direction abruptly. Shortly thereafter, the left wing of the airplane lifted very quickly, and the airplane rolled to the right. When the left wing returned to a lower position, the airplane was oriented toward the ground. The left wing then struck the ground, resulting in substantial damage to that wing.

Pilot's Account

The pilot stated that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions with the airframe or engine that would have prevented normal operation.

Weather Conditions

Data from the airport's automated weather observation station, recorded around the time of the event, indicated variable wind at 3 knots. The airplane was landing on runway 27.

Damage

The accident resulted in substantial damage to the left wing.

Contributing factors

Causes

Directional control — Not attained/maintainedPilot

Other contributing factors

Effect on operation