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NTSB Report
August 5, 1988 · Bellanca 7ECA · N8662V
Palo Alto, CA
Overview
Report Status
Preliminary report
Event Type
Accident
Date
August 5, 1988
Injury Outcomes
1 injury (1 minor injury)
Location
Palo Alto, CA
Aircraft
Bellanca 7ECA
Tail Number
N8662V
Operator
West Valley Flying Club
Injuries
Minor
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX88LA280
ALL OF THE PILOT'S PRIOR FLIGHT TRAINING WAS DONE IN TAILWHEEL TYPE AIRCRAFT. THE PILOT HAD MADE FOUR FULL STOP LANDINGS DURING THE PATTERN PRACTICE INSTRUCTIONAL SESSION AND HE SAID THAT HE EXPERIENCED DIRECTIONAL CONTROL PROBLEMS DURING EACH OF THE LANDINGS. NO PROBLEMS WERE ENCOUNTERED DURING THE TAKEOFFS OR TAXI OPERATIONS. ON THE FIFTH LANDING, THE PILOT SAID THAT HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL JUST AFTER LOWERING THE TAIL TO THE GROUND AND THE 'WIND PICKED UP THE LEFT WING.' THE PILOT APPLIED POWER TO INITIATE A GO AROUND AND THE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL PROBLEM BECAME WORSE. AFTER LIFTOFF THE AIRCRAFT DRIFTED LEFT AND COLLIDED WITH SEVERAL STRUCTURES ON THE AIRPORT BEFORE FINALLY HITTING A LARGE TREE ON AN ADJACENT GOLF COURSE. THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FLYING CLUB STATED THAT THE STUDENT'S INSTRUCTOR WAS ON PROBATION FOR CONSISTENT PROBLEMS IN TURNING OUT WEAK STUDENTS.
Full Narrative
ALL OF THE PILOT'S PRIOR FLIGHT TRAINING WAS DONE IN TAILWHEEL TYPE AIRCRAFT. THE PILOT HAD MADE FOUR FULL STOP LANDINGS DURING THE PATTERN PRACTICE INSTRUCTIONAL SESSION AND HE SAID THAT HE EXPERIENCED DIRECTIONAL CONTROL PROBLEMS DURING EACH OF THE LANDINGS. NO PROBLEMS WERE ENCOUNTERED DURING THE TAKEOFFS OR TAXI OPERATIONS. ON THE FIFTH LANDING, THE PILOT SAID THAT HE LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL JUST AFTER LOWERING THE TAIL TO THE GROUND AND THE 'WIND PICKED UP THE LEFT WING.' THE PILOT APPLIED POWER TO INITIATE A GO AROUND AND THE DIRECTIONAL CONTROL PROBLEM BECAME WORSE. AFTER LIFTOFF THE AIRCRAFT DRIFTED LEFT AND COLLIDED WITH SEVERAL STRUCTURES ON THE AIRPORT BEFORE FINALLY HITTING A LARGE TREE ON AN ADJACENT GOLF COURSE. THE MANAGEMENT OF THE FLYING CLUB STATED THAT THE STUDENT'S INSTRUCTOR WAS ON PROBATION FOR CONSISTENT PROBLEMS IN TURNING OUT WEAK STUDENTS.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time08:37 PDT
Nearest AirportSanta Clara County (0nm N)
Runway30
Runway Length2500 ft
Runway Width65 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBellanca 7ECA
Tail NumberN8662V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorWest Valley Flying Club
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-C1 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury Summary1 injury (1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total1
Crew 1Age 32 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind270° @ 3 kt
Visibility13 sm
CeilingOvercast 2300 ft
Temperature / Dew Point63 F / 52
Altimeter29.00 inHg
Observation Time15:37
Weather SourceWFAC