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NTSB Report
May 28, 1989 · Bellanca 7GCAA · N31277
Big Sur, CA
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 28, 1989
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Big Sur, CA
Aircraft
Bellanca 7GCAA
Tail Number
N31277
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
LAX89LA206
DURING THE TAKE OFF ROLL ON A FRESHLY MOWED OPEN FIELD, THE TAILWHEEL BECAME ENTANGLED IN THE GRASS. THE TERRAIN WAS DOWNSLOPING, AND WITH THE SLOW AIRSPEED, THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER. THE PILOT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE AIRPLANE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE PILOT HAD MADE A SUCCESSFUL FORCED LANDING THERE ON THE PREVIOUS DAY AND HAD THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY MOW THE GRASS IN ORDER TO FORM AN AIRSTRIP.
NTSB Probable Cause
THE PILOT ELECTED TO ATTEMPT A TAKEOFF FROM A FIELD THAT HE HAD PREVIOUSLY MADE A FORCED LANDING TO AND THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER DURING THE ATTEMPT. CONTRIBUTING TO THE ACCIDENT WAS THE HIGH GRASS THAT BECAME ENTANGLED IN THE TAILWHEEL AND THE SOFT DOWNHILL TERRAIN.
Full Narrative
DURING THE TAKE OFF ROLL ON A FRESHLY MOWED OPEN FIELD, THE TAILWHEEL BECAME ENTANGLED IN THE GRASS. THE TERRAIN WAS DOWNSLOPING, AND WITH THE SLOW AIRSPEED, THE AIRPLANE NOSED OVER. THE PILOT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL FAILURES OR MALFUNCTIONS WITH THE AIRPLANE AT THE TIME OF THE ACCIDENT. THE PILOT HAD MADE A SUCCESSFUL FORCED LANDING THERE ON THE PREVIOUS DAY AND HAD THE OWNER OF THE PROPERTY MOW THE GRASS IN ORDER TO FORM AN AIRSTRIP.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time13:30 PDT
Nearest Airport0nm N
Runway0
Runway Length0
Runway Width0
Flight Plan FiledNone
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBellanca 7GCAA
Tail NumberN31277
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 29 · Third Class
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind290° @ 12 kt, gusting 15 kt
Visibility15 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point0 C
Altimeter0
Weather SourcePILO