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NTSB Report
February 20, 1993 · Bellanca 7ECA · N5506C
Palo Alto, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
February 20, 1993
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Palo Alto, CA
Aircraft
Bellanca 7ECA
Tail Number
N5506C
Operator
West Valley Flying Club
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX93LA128
IN A VERBAL STATEMENT TO FAA INSPECTORS, THE PILOT REPORTED THAT DURING A TOUCH AND GO HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT, VEERED OFF THE RUNWAY AND NOSED OVER AFTER ENCOUNTERING A SOFT MUDDY AREA. REVIEW OF THE ATCT TAPES REVEALED THAT THE AIRCRAFT WAS GIVEN A TAKEOFF CLEARANCE FROM RUNWAY 12, AND, WHILE IN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN ON THE FIRST CIRCUIT, THE RUNWAY WAS CHANGED BY THE ATCT TO 30. PRIOR TO LANDING, THE ATCT TRANSMITTED TWO WIND ADVISORIES TO THE PILOT, INDICATING WINDS FROM 230 DEGREES AT 15 KNOTS. THE CONTROLLERS ON DUTY IN THE TOWER CAB REPORTED THAT THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN ABOUT MID FIELD, THEN VEERED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY INTO A GRASSY AREA. THE CONTROLLERS STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT THEN VEERED TO THE RIGHT, CROSSED OVER THE RUNWAY AND NOSED OVER IN A MARSHY AREA ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOTS INADEQUATE COMPENSATION FOR THE EXISTING CROSSWIND CONDITION AND HIS RESULTANT LOSS OF DIRECTIONAL CONTROL.
Full Narrative
IN A VERBAL STATEMENT TO FAA INSPECTORS, THE PILOT REPORTED THAT DURING A TOUCH AND GO HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT, VEERED OFF THE RUNWAY AND NOSED OVER AFTER ENCOUNTERING A SOFT MUDDY AREA. REVIEW OF THE ATCT TAPES REVEALED THAT THE AIRCRAFT WAS GIVEN A TAKEOFF CLEARANCE FROM RUNWAY 12, AND, WHILE IN THE TRAFFIC PATTERN ON THE FIRST CIRCUIT, THE RUNWAY WAS CHANGED BY THE ATCT TO 30. PRIOR TO LANDING, THE ATCT TRANSMITTED TWO WIND ADVISORIES TO THE PILOT, INDICATING WINDS FROM 230 DEGREES AT 15 KNOTS. THE CONTROLLERS ON DUTY IN THE TOWER CAB REPORTED THAT THE AIRCRAFT TOUCHED DOWN ABOUT MID FIELD, THEN VEERED OFF THE LEFT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY INTO A GRASSY AREA. THE CONTROLLERS STATED THAT THE AIRCRAFT THEN VEERED TO THE RIGHT, CROSSED OVER THE RUNWAY AND NOSED OVER IN A MARSHY AREA ON THE RIGHT SIDE OF THE RUNWAY.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:52 PST
Nearest AirportPalo Alto Of Santa Clara (0nm N)
Runway30
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width65 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBellanca 7ECA
Tail NumberN5506C
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWest Valley Flying Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235 · Reciprocating · 110
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 50 · Second Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind260° @ 20 kt
Visibility25 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 5000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point54 / 39 C
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time19:52
Weather SourceWFAC