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NTSB Report
May 1, 2024 · Bellanca 7ECA · N8618V
Watervliet, MI
Overview
Report Status
Probable Cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
May 1, 2024
Injury Outcomes
No injuries (1 uninjured)
Location
Watervliet, MI
Aircraft
Bellanca 7ECA (1975)
Tail Number
N8618V
Injuries
None
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
CEN24LA176
The pilot reported that while landing on a turf runway in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the main landing gear encountered soft terrain upon touchdown. The airplane rapidly decelerated and the tail rose. The pilot applied full aft pressure on the control stick but was unable to regain control before the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. During the nose over the airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and right wing strut. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
NTSB Probable Cause
Environmental issues-Physical environment-Runway/land/takeoff/taxi surface-Soft surface-Awareness of condition
Full Narrative
The pilot reported that while landing on a turf runway in a tailwheel-equipped airplane, the main landing gear encountered soft terrain upon touchdown. The airplane rapidly decelerated and the tail rose. The pilot applied full aft pressure on the control stick but was unable to regain control before the airplane nosed over and came to rest inverted. During the nose over the airplane sustained substantial damage to the vertical stabilizer, rudder, and right wing strut. The pilot reported that there were no preimpact mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.
Flight
Event TypeAccident
Event Time11:20 EDT
Nearest AirportWatervliet Municipal Airport (0nm N)
Runway20
Runway Length2600 ft
Runway Width200 ft
Flight Plan FiledNone
Flight Plan ActivatedNo
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo
Aircraft
AircraftBellanca 7ECA
Tail NumberN8618V
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsLycoming · O-235-C1 · Reciprocating · 115
Seats2
People & Injuries
Injury SummaryNo injuries (1 uninjured)
Fatal0
Serious0
Minor0
Uninjured1
Total1
Crew 1Age 63 · Second Class · None
Conditions
ConditionsVMC
LightDaylight
Wind250° @ 16 kt, gusting 24 kt
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point59 F
Altimeter29.86 inHg
Observation Time11:53
Weather SourceWFAC