FTW97LA260

In a written statement, the pilot stated that the UNICOM reported the winds '14 gusting to 20, generally down the runway.' During the landing roll, the airplane was 'struck by a strong gust of wind which caused the airplane to float and turn 30 to 45 degrees to the left.' Subsequently, the airplane exited the left side of the runway. The pilot then applied power to initiate a climb and avoid a 4-foot drainage ditch running parallel to the runway. The airplane then contacted brush and a fence on the opposite side of the ditch.

On July 9, 1997, at approximately 1530 central daylight time, a Bellanca 7ECA airplane, N2583F, was substantially damaged when it impacted a fence and terrain following a loss of control during landing on runway 18 at Sonora Municipal Airport near Sonora, Texas. Both occupants, the commercial pilot and one passenger, were not injured. The airplane was registered to and operated by the pilot and a private individual under Title 14 CFR Part 91. Visual meteorological conditions prevailed for the personal flight for which a flight plan was not filed. The flight originated from Junction, Texas, at 1435.

In a telephone interview, the airport manager reported that he saw the airplane touch down on runway 18. After exiting his office, he noticed that the airplane had struck a fence, approximately 150 feet from and parallel to the left side of runway 18. According to the airport manager, the left wing sustained structural damage and the left main landing gear was found separated from the airframe.

In a written statement, the pilot stated that the UNICOM reported the winds "14 gusting to 20, generally down the runway." The pilot reported that the approach was turbulent, "with noticeable windshear." He further stated that, during the landing roll-out, aircraft was "struck by a strong wind gust which caused the aircraft to float and turn 30 to 45 degrees to the left." Subsequently, the airplane exited the left side of the runway. After the airplane exited the runway the pilot noticed a 4 foot deep drainage ditch extending parallel to the length of the runway. He then applied "full" power to climb and avoid the ditch. After clearing the ditch, the airplane struck brush behind the ditch and a wire fence that borders the airport.