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June 5, 2016 · Bellanca 7GCBC NO Series · N8777

Ferndale, MT

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
June 5, 2016
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Ferndale, MT
Aircraft
Bellanca 7GCBC NO Series (1973)
Tail Number
N8777
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA16CA284

According to the pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane, during the takeoff roll, the airplane drifted left of the centerline. He reported that he corrected the drift by applying right rudder and the airplane began to decelerate. He recalled that he released the right rudder input in order to reposition his foot off of the heel brake and noticed that the airplane was approaching a left landing strip boundary marker rapidly. He reported that he decided to rotate early and the airplane continued drifting left, collided with the roof of a hangar, and dropped to the ground where it caught on fire. The airplane was destroyed by the fire. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with any portion of the airplane prior to the takeoff roll that would have prevented normal flight operations. The pilot's last flight review was 08AUG2009. The pilot has accumulated 165 total hours of flight time and a total of 7 hours in make and model.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot's loss of directional control during takeoff resulting in a decision to rotate early, and a collision with a hangar and subsequent fire.

Full Narrative

According to the pilot of the tailwheel equipped airplane, during the takeoff roll, the airplane drifted left of the centerline. He reported that he corrected the drift by applying right rudder and the airplane began to decelerate. He recalled that he released the right rudder input in order to reposition his foot off of the heel brake and noticed that the airplane was approaching a left landing strip boundary marker rapidly. He reported that he decided to rotate early and the airplane continued drifting left, collided with the roof of a hangar, and dropped to the ground where it caught on fire. The airplane was destroyed by the fire. The pilot reported that there were no mechanical malfunctions or anomalies with any portion of the airplane prior to the takeoff roll that would have prevented normal flight operations. The pilot's last flight review was 08AUG2009. The pilot has accumulated 165 total hours of flight time and a total of 7 hours in make and model.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time06:44 MDT
Nearest AirportFerndale Airfield (0nm NNE)
Runway33
Runway Length3500 ft
Runway Width95 ft
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireGrd
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftBellanca 7GCBC NO Series
Tail NumberN8777
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 57 · Third Class · Minor

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind310° @ 3 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point48 / 48
Altimeter30.09 inHg
Observation Time11:55
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data