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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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May 10, 2003 · Bellanca 7GCBC · N711JJ

Houston, TX

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 10, 2003
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Houston, TX
Aircraft
Bellanca 7GCBC
Tail Number
N711JJ
Operator
Texas Taildraggers
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
FTW03LA149

During takeoff initial climb, the flight instructor reduced the power to "simulate a partial power emergency." The student pilot hesitated long enough for the flight instructor to request full power. When power was increased, "the engine started coughing." The flight instructor "assumed a loss of power" and aborted the takeoff. Subsequently, the airplane struck a ditch at departure end of the runway coming to rest upright.

NTSB Probable Cause

The flight instructor's poor decision to initiate a simulated emergency without having a suitable area for a forced landing.

Full Narrative

On May 10, 2003, approximately 1125 central daylight time, a Bellanca 7GCBC single-engine tailwheel-equipped airplane, N711JJ, sustained substantial damage during an aborted takeoff following a partial loss of engine power from the Houston-Southwest Airport, near Houston, Texas. The certificated flight instructor (CFI) sustained minor injuries and the student pilot sustained serious injuries. The airplane was registered to a private individual and operated by Texas Taildraggers of Houston, Texas. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed, and a flight plan was not filed for the 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 instructional flight. The local flight was originating at the time of the accident. Information from the Pilot/Operator Aircraft Accident Report Form (NTSB Form 6120.1/2) and an FAA inspector, who responded to the accident site, revealed that the student pilot was receiving instruction on short field takeoffs and landings along with emergency procedures. After lift off from runway 9, with approximately 2,000 feet of runway remaining, the 1,450-hour CFI reduced the power to "simulate a partial power emergency." The student pilot "hesitated long enough for the CFI to request full power and continue normal flight." When power was increased, "the engine started coughing." The CFI "assumed a loss of engine power and elected to abort the takeoff." Subsequently, the airplane struck a ditch at departure end of the runway coming to rest upright. The FAA inspector reported that the left wing was bent up approximately 70 degrees outboard of the wing strut attaching point, and the left main landing gear was separated. Engine and control continuity was established. The engine was examined by an FAA inspector and was found to be free of anomalies. Sugar Land Regional Airport (SGR), located 12 miles northwest of the accident site was the nearest weather reporting station. At 1100, SGR was reporting wind from 180 degrees at 12 knots gusting to 18 knots, and visibility 8 statute miles. The temperature was 28 degrees Celsius and the dew point was 23 degrees Celsius.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:25 CDT
Nearest AirportHouston-Southwest (0nm)
Runway9
Runway Length5000 ft
Runway Width100 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 7GCBC
Tail NumberN711JJ
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
OperatorTexas Taildraggers
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-320-A2D · Reciprocating · 150
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 40 · Second Class · Minor
Crew 2Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind180° @ 12 kt, gusting 18 kt
Visibility8 sm
CeilingNone
Altimeter29.80 inHg
Observation Time16:00
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data