N57517

On November 11, 2020, about 0950 Pacific standard time, a Bellanca 7GCBC, N57517 sustained substantial damage when it was involved in an accident near Fallbrook, California. The pilot sustained minor injuries. The airplane was operated as a Title 14 Code of Federal Regulations Part 91 personal flight.

The pilot reported that, during the initial climb, between 400 and 600 ft above ground level, the engine started to sputter, and the airplane began to lose lift. The pilot declared an emergency and executed a forced landing back to the runway. The pilot stated that the landing was hard and fast with about 1/3 of the runway remaining. The pilot was unable to stop the airplane before it ran off the runway and down a 50-ft embankment. Both wings and lift struts were substantially damaged.

A postaccident engine examination revealed that the fuel in the engine gascolator was free of contaminants and contained blue-colored fuel that smelled of avgas. The spark plugs displayed normal operating signatures. The oil filter was removed and cut open to reveal no evidence of metal fragments or shavings. The engine crankshaft was rotated by hand and accessory gear and valve train continuity was established.

The examination of the engine revealed no evidence of any preaccident mechanical failures or malfunctions that would have precluded normal operation.