N8752

On October 13, 2002, about 1755 mountain daylight time, a Bellanca 7GCBC, N8752, sustained substantial damage after colliding with a radio tower and terrain shortly after initiating an aborted landing at the Helena Regional Airport, Helena, Montana. The student pilot, the sole occupant of the airplane, sustained minor injuries. The airplane is owned by a private party and was being operated as a visual flight rules (VFR) instructional flight under the provisions of Title 14, CFR Part 91, when the accident occurred. The flight originated from the Helena Airport approximately 15 minutes prior to the accident. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed and no flight plan had been filed for the local flight.

In a written statement, the pilot reported that the airplane touched down on runway 09. Shortly after touchdown, the airplane swerved to the right and began to porpoise. The pilot stated she wasn't able to correct the situation and elected to perform a go-around. While performing the maneuver, the airplane collided with a radio tower located approximately 1,000 feet south of the runway. The pilot reported that after colliding with the tower, the airplane "…spun and hit the ground" resulting in substantial damage.

While on downwind for runway 09, the tower controller reported to the pilot that the winds were from 230 degrees at six knots, and inquired if the pilot would like to switch to runway 23. The pilot declined, and continued the approach and landing to runway 09.