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Aviation safety reports, made easier to study

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September 20, 2003 · Bellanca 7ECA · N41698

Byers, CO

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
September 20, 2003
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (2 uninjured)
Location
Byers, CO
Aircraft
Bellanca 7ECA
Tail Number
N41698
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
DEN03LA154

The pilot reported he was attempting to land to the west on the airstrip when he encountered a tailwind. The pilot reported he initiated a go-around, but had to turn south to avoid a large tree at the end of the airstrip, and a group of people on the north side of the airstrip. The airplane's right main landing gear contacted the ground. The airplane slid down an embankment and nosed-over causing substantial damage to the airplane's right wing, left and right wing struts, and the right main landing gear. An examination of the airplane's systems revealed no anomalies. Approximately 23 minutes after the accident, the wind conditions at the Denver International Airport, 22 nautical miles west of the accident site, were 100 degrees magnetic at 11 knots.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot not maintaining adequate clearance from the ground and his improper in-flight planning/decision. Factors contributing to the accident were the tailwind, the low altitude, the tree, the people, the embankment, and the ravine.

Full Narrative

On September 20, 2003, approximately 1230 mountain daylight time, a Bellanca 7ECA, N41698, piloted by an airline transport pilot, was substantially damaged when it impacted into a ravine during a go-around at a private airstrip, 12 miles north of Byers, Colorado. The pilot and passenger on board the airplane reported no injuries. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed at the time of the accident. The personal flight was being conducted under the provisions of Title 14 CFR Part 91 without a flight plan. The flight originated at Watkins, Colorado, at 1200. The pilot reported he was attempting to land to the west on the airstrip when he encountered a tailwind. The pilot reported he initiated a go-around, but had to turn south to avoid a large tree at the end of the airstrip, and a group of people on the north side of the airstrip. The airplane's right main landing gear contacted the ground. The airplane slid down an embankment and nosed-over. A Federal Aviation Administration inspector examined the airplane at the scene. The inspector reported that the airplane's right wing was broken aft and down at the wing/fuselage attach points. Both wing struts were broken. The right main landing gear leg was bent aft. The propeller showed torsional bending and chordwise scratches. Flight control continuity was confirmed. An examination of the engine, engine controls, and other airplane systems revealed no anomalies. At 1253, Denver International Airport, 22 nautical miles west of the accident site, reported winds as 100 degrees magnetic at 11 knots.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time12:30 MDT
Nearest AirportJames Johnson (0nm E)
Runway090
Runway Length1800 ft
Runway Width50 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 7ECA
Tail NumberN41698
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsMazda · O-235-C1 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2

People & Injuries

Injury SummaryNo injuries (2 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured2
Total2
Crew 1Age 67 · Second Class · None

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind100° @ 11 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point27 C
Altimeter30.02 inHg
Observation Time18:53
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data