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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

NTSB Reports is an independent research and search tool for public aviation accident and incident records. It brings NTSB aviation reports, structured fields, docket files, extracted figures, photos, videos, and update history into one searchable interface.

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NTSB Report

April 2, 1995 · Bellanca 7ECA · N2598Z

Higginsville, MO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
April 2, 1995
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Location
Higginsville, MO
Aircraft
Bellanca 7ECA
Tail Number
N2598Z
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI95LA113

THE PILOT ATTEMPTED TO TAKEOFF FROM A GRASS RUNWAY WITH A DIRECT 10 TO 12 KNOT CROSSWIND. HE STATED 'A GUST OF WIND PUT US AIRBORNE MUCH BEFORE I WAS READY TO BRING UP THE TAIL...BLEW US COMPLETELY OFF THE RUNWAY.' THE LANDING GEAR CAUGHT THE TOP STRAND OF A BARBED WIRE FENCE. THE PILOT REPORTED THE AIRPLANE PULLED UP ABOUT 1,000 FEET OF FENCE BEFORE THE AIRPLANE WAS PULLED BACK TO THE GROUND.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's inadequate compensation for wind conditions during the attempted takeoff. The gusty crosswind was a factor.

Full Narrative

On April 2, 1995, at 1146 central daylight time, a Bellanca 7ECA, N2598Z, piloted by the owner/operator, crashed during an aborted takeoff at a private grass airstrip in Higginsville, Missouri. The airplane sustained substantial damage when it struck a barbed wire fence, then impacted terrain. The private pilot and the one passenger on board the airplane received serious injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the local flight, no flight plan was filed. The pleasure flight operated under 14 CFR Part 91, and the accident occurred during the intended takeoff. The pilot reported he attempted to takeoff from the 2,300' X 100' grass runway with a direct crosswind which he estimate to be 10 to 12 knots. He stated "...a gust of wind put us airborne much before I was ready to bring up the tail. The wind gust blew us completely off the runway. Unknowingly, as I was attempting to get back to the runway, I picked up the top strand of barbed wire...I pulled up about 1,000 feet of fence before it stopped my flight and caused the plane to crash onto the runway." The pilot stated the accident could have been prevented if he had been "...very wary of strong crosswinds, particularly when buildings or obstructions are adjacent to runway."

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:46 CDT
Nearest AirportHARBET (0nm)
Runway28
Runway Length2300 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 7ECA
Tail NumberN2598Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-C1 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (2 serious injuries)
Fatal0
Serious2
Minor0
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 52 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind190° @ 13 kt
Visibility7 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point34 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time17:45
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data