# NTSB DEN83LA094: Bellanca 7GCBC, N7917S, Havre, MT, February 26, 1983

- Type: NTSB accident investigation
- Classification: Accident · No injuries · Limited investigation · Final report
- Date: February 26, 1983, 11:30 local (18:30 UTC)
- Place: Havre, MT
- Coordinates: 48.55944, -109.7303 (estimated)
- Nearby events: https://openairdocs.org/map.md?lat=48.5594&lon=-109.7303&mi=10
- Phase of flight: [Takeoff](https://openairdocs.org/ntsb-phases/300) (OpenAirDocs' grouping)
- Highest injury: No injuries
- Injuries: 1 uninjured
- Status: Completed
- Report: Approved by Office Director
- NTSB case key (mKey): 16060
- NTSB case page: https://web.ntsb.gov/investigations/?ntsbnumber=DEN83LA094
- NTSB report (PDF, downloads): https://data.ntsb.gov/carol-repgen/api/Aviation/ReportMain/GenerateNewestReport/16060/pdf
- Page: https://openairdocs.org/ntsb/DEN83LA094

## Sequence of events

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

- Loss of control - on ground/water, takeoff - roll/run
  - unsuitable terrain or takeoff/landing/taxi area - selected, pilot in command (cause)
  - airport facilities,runway/landing area condition - soft (contributing factor)
  - directional control - not possible, pilot in command (contributing factor)
  - ground loop/swerve - uncontrolled, pilot in command (contributing factor)
- Main gear collapsed, takeoff - roll/run
  - terrain condition - rough/uneven (contributing factor)

## Analysis

THE PLT REPORTED THAT HE WAS TAKING OFF FROM A DIRT STRIP ON HIS FARM TO CHECK ON SOME CATTLE FROM THE AIR. DURING THE TAKEOFF ROLL, THE LEFT MAIN GEAR WENT INTO SOME MUD & PULLED THE ACFT TO THE LEFT. SUBSEQUENTLY, THE ACFT CONTACTED FROZEN DIRT PILES & SOME WHEAT FURROWS, AND THE RIGHT MAIN GEAR COLLAPSED. THE PLT REPORTED NO MECHANICAL MALFUNCTIONS OR FAILURES WITH THE ACFT PRIOR TO THE ACCIDENT.

## Aircraft

- Registration: [N7917S](https://openairdocs.org/aircraft/N7917S), registered now, S/N 943-76, built 1976 (OpenAirDocs)
- Reported make and model: BELLANCA 7GCBC
- Registry model: [Bellanca 7GCBC](https://openairdocs.org/model/bellanca-7gcbc) (registry code 1220601) (OpenAirDocs)
- Registry engine: [Lycoming 0-320 series](https://openairdocs.org/engine/lycoming-0-320-series) (registry code 41508, reciprocating) (OpenAirDocs)
- Category: Airplane
- Serial number: 943-76
- Airframe hours: 1376
- Engines: LYCOMING O-360-C2E 180 horsepower reciprocating
- Damage: Substantial damage
- Flight: Personal, Part 91
- Registered owner: Stanley M. Knudson
- Airworthiness certificate: Standard, Normal
- Last inspection: Annual, February 20, 1982
- Airport: runway 27, 2,400 ×  ft, dirt

## Flight crew

As NTSB recorded them. NTSB leaves out names.

- Pilot; age 51; student; airplane ratings: single-engine land; medical: unknown, expired; seat: front; flight hours: 130 total, 20 in this make and model, 77 as pilot in command

## Weather

- Conditions: Visual (VMC), Day
- Lowest ceiling: none

## 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 19830226022959A](https://openairdocs.org/incident/19830226022959A), Feb 26, 1983: Bbavia 7GCBC, Havre, MT, Substantial damage. Swerved off takeoff area when the left main gear hit a soft spot. Struck frozen furrows. Collapsed the gear.

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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