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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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October 21, 2001 · Bellanca 7ECA · N2987Z

Chandler, AZ

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
October 21, 2001
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (3 uninjured)
Location
Chandler, AZ
Aircraft
Bellanca 7ECA
Tail Number
N2987Z
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Minor
NTSB Number
LAX02LA009

A Bellanca and a Mooney were initially standing side-by-side at runway 04L's run-up area. The Bellanca pilot, having completed its pretakeoff check proceeded toward the runway's hold short lines. As the Bellanca began taxiing, the pilot failed to maintain directional control of the conventional gear airplane, and it veered left heading toward the standing Mooney. The Bellanca pilot was unable to regain directional control and he failed to aggressively apply brakes, which resulted in his impacting the Mooney's left wing. The subsequent examination of the Bellanca's directional control and braking system revealed no evidence of mechanical malfunction.

NTSB Probable Cause

The Bellanca pilot's failure to maintain directional control while taxiing due to his improper brake usage.

Full Narrative

On October 21, 2001, about 0908 hours mountain standard time, a Bellanca 7ECA, N2987Z, experienced an on-ground collision with a Mooney M20A, N6049X, at the Chandler Municipal Airport, Chandler, Arizona. At the time of the collision, the Bellanca was starting to taxi for takeoff, and the Mooney was standing nearby in the run-up area. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed. The Bellanca had been rented from PBJ Aircraft, Inc., at the Chandler Municipal Airport. The Mooney was owned by its pilot. The Bellanca sustained minor propeller damage, and the Mooney's wing was substantially damaged. Neither the private pilot in the Bellanca nor the commercial pilot in the Mooney was injured. The personal flights were operating under 14 CFR Part 91, and they were originating at the time. The Bellanca pilot reported that he had completed his engine run-up and had commenced taxiing toward runway 04L's hold short lines, located about 30 feet ahead and to his right. The Bellanca began taxiing from his heretofore stationary location, and he veered left. The pilot indicated that he attempted to correct the airplane's taxi path away from the Mooney that had been located on his left side next to him in the run-up area. The Bellanca pilot indicated that he was able to momentarily stop the left turn. However, the airplane turned left again. Despite his application of right rudder and right brake, the airplane veered left until coming into contact with the Mooney that was still standing nearby in the run-up area. The Mooney pilot reported that he was also located in the run-up area and was performing the pretakeoff check at the time of the collision. His airplane's brakes were set. He had noticed the Bellanca, which had initially been located in the run-up area to his right side, taxiing perpendicular to and in front of his position. The Bellanca turned left and then approached his airplane in a nearly head-on course until it stopped upon striking his left wing. The Federal Aviation Administration Coordinator reported that the Bellanca was subsequently examined. No evidence of any mechanical malfunctions were found with the airplane's directional control and braking system.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time09:08 MST
Nearest AirportChandler Municipal (0nm)
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 7ECA
Tail NumberN2987Z
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageMinor
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2B · Reciprocating · 150 | Lycoming · O-360-A1A · Reciprocating · 180
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (3 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured3
Total3
Crew 1Age 39 · Third Class · None
Crew 2Age 51 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind130° @ 3 kt
Visibility30 sm
CeilingBroken clouds 25000 ft
Temperature / Dew Point30 C
Altimeter29.94 inHg
Observation Time22:52
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data