N30WH

Substantial
None

Bellanca 7GCBCS/N: 997-77

Accident Details

Date
Monday, January 7, 2008
NTSB Number
LAX08CA044
Location
Exeter, CA
Event ID
20080220X00212
Coordinates
36.238609, -119.143058
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
Highest Injury
None
Fatalities
0
Serious Injuries
0
Minor Injuries
0
Uninjured
2
Total Aboard
2

Probable Cause and Findings

The pilot's failure to maintain directional control.

Aircraft Information

Registration
Make
BELLANCA
Serial Number
997-77
Engine Type
Reciprocating
Year Built
1977
Model / ICAO
7GCBCB407
Aircraft Type
Fixed Wing Single Engine
No. of Engines
1
Seats
2
FAA Model
7GCBC

Registered Owner (Current)

Name
BOX TALON
Address
PO BOX 657
City
COTULLA
State / Zip Code
TX 78014-0657
Country
United States

Analysis

The pilot reported that during landing, the airplane veered to the right, which he corrected by using left rudder. The airplane again veered to the right, and as the pilot applied left rudder, the right main wheel came in contact with soft mud and the airplane nosed over. The airplane sustained damage to the wings and the left flap. The FAA coordinator interviewed the pilot. The pilot's statement was that he is a CFI who has instructed in Citabria's and usually sits in the rear seat. On this flight, he was taking a friend up and decided to fly from front seat. He stated that he was concerned when sitting in the front seat that he could not fully reach the rudder pedals (he is 5'6'' tall). He considered getting a pillow to help him sit forward but decided against it. He stated that his inability to apply full left rudder was a factor in loss of directional control.

Data Source

Data provided by the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB). For more information on this event, visit the NTSB Records Search website. NTSB# LAX08CA044