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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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July 15, 1996 · Bellanca 7ECA · N5026K

Belle Plaine, MN

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
July 15, 1996
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Belle Plaine, MN
Aircraft
Bellanca 7ECA
Tail Number
N5026K
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CHI96LA242

The pilot reported that he was on downwind for landing on runway 35, when he noticed a two to three story house 'just off the end of the runway.' He shortened his downwind leg which 'caused a fairly high initial final approach.... This required a slip to the runway. Since excessive airspeed was built up, the aircraft continued to float.' He decided to go-around and applied full power; however, the landing gear impacted tall grass at the departure end of the runway, then a ravine.

NTSB Probable Cause

the pilot's misjudgment of the distance and speed during the landing, and his delay in initiating a go-around. Factors relating to the accident were: the tall grass and ravine at the end of the runway.

Full Narrative

On July 15, 1996, about 1200 central daylight time, a Bellanca 7ECA, N5026K, sustained substantial damage when it impacted vegetation during an attempted go around in Belle Plaine, Minnesota. The pilot reported minor injury and the sole passenger sustained serious injury. The personal, 14 CFR Part 91 flight departed the St. Paul Flemming Airport about 1130. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan was on file. In his written statement, the pilot reported that he was on downwind to runway 35, when he noticed a two to three story house "just off the end of the runway." He shortened his downwind leg which "caused a fairly high initial final approach.... This required a slip to the runway. Since excessive airspeed was built up, the aircraft continued to float." He decided to execute a go around and applied full power. The landing gear impacted tall grass at the departure end of the runway, then a ravine. The airplane sustained substantial damage.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:00 CDT
Nearest AirportBelle Plaine (0nm)
Runway35
Runway Length2530 ft
Runway Width215 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 7ECA
Tail NumberN5026K
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind300° @ 5 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO

Appendix: Source Data