# NTSB ANC86LA049: Bellanca 7ECA, N1616G, Polly Creek, AK, April 26, 1986

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: April 26, 1986, 11:00 local (15:00 UTC)
- Place: Polly Creek, AK
- Phase of flight: [Landing](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/550) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 2 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB office: Alaska Regional Office
- NTSB case key (mKey): 4655
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=ANC86LA049
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/4655/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/ANC86LA049

## Sequence of events

In NTSB's coding before 2008 (https://www.ntsb.gov/GILS/Documents/codman.pdf).

- Loss of control - on ground/water, landing - roll
  - terrain condition - loose gravel/sandy (contributing factor)
  - in-flight planning/decision - improper, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - sand bar (contributing factor)
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - attempted, pilot in command (cause)
  - terrain condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - ground loop/swerve - inadvertent, pilot in command (cause)
  - directional control - not maintained, pilot in command (cause)
- Nose over, landing - roll

## Analysis

THE PILOT ATTEMPTED A LANDING ON A SANDBAR. DURING THE LANDING ROLL THE PILOT LOST DIRECTIONAL CONTROL OF THE AIRCRAFT CAUSING THE AIRPLANE TO GROUND LOOP AND THEN NOSE OVER ON ITS BACK.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N1616G](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N1616G), registered now, S/N 620, built 1968 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 7ECA
- Registry model: [Champion 7ECA](https://openairdocs.org/model/champion-7eca) (registry code 21101NN) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-235 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-235-series) (registry code 41505, 4 cycle) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 620
- Airframe hours: 2325
- Engines: LYCOMING O-235 115 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Ed Frazier
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, June 23, 1985, 60 hours before
- Departed: MRI, ANCHORAGE, AK
- Flight plan: VFR

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 37; private; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: class 3, valid medical--no waivers/lim.; flight hours: 167 total, 123 in this make and model, 119 as pilot in command, 11 in the last 90 days, 4 in the last 30 days, 2 in the last 24 hours

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Wind: calm
- Visibility: 50 statute miles
- Lowest ceiling: 5,000 ft overcast
- Temperature: 39 °F, dew point 28 °F
- Altimeter: 29.00 inHg

## FAA reports on this event (1)

The FAA's own accident and incident reports, matched to the aircraft by N-number and date (OpenAirDocs).

- [Accident 19860426013899A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19860426013899A), Apr 26, 1986: Bbavia 7ECA, Polly Creek, AK, Substantial damage. Nosed over after landing on a sand bar with a rough surface. No defect found on the landing gear or the wheel.

From the NTSB's public API. Aircraft are matched to registry aircraft by N-number and event date, checked against the reported serial number, make and model; the registry's history has gaps, so older matches can be wrong. Compare the reported make and model.

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